Iodine (Complete)

 

NEET PG High-Yield: Iodine Nutrition

Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (T_3 and T_4). Deficiency leads to a spectrum of disorders collectively known as IDD (Iodine Deficiency Disorders).

Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Spectrum

Life Stage Manifestation
Fetus Abortion, stillbirth, congenital anomalies, and endemic cretinism.
Neonates Neonatal hypothyroidism, increased neonatal mortality.
Children/Adolescents Goiter, hypothyroidism, impaired mental function, retarded physical development.
Adults Goiter, hypothyroidism, impaired mental function.
High-Yield NEET PG Pearls:

  • Universal Salt Iodization (USI): The most effective public health strategy for the elimination of IDD.
  • Assessment: Urinary Iodine Excretion (UIE) is the best indicator of recent dietary intake.
  • Goiter Index: Used for assessing the magnitude of IDD in a community (via palpation or ultrasound).
  • Endemic Cretinism: Two main types—
    • Neurological (deaf-mutism, squint, motor rigidity) and
    • Myxedematous (hypothyroidism, stunted growth).