How much iodine is needed daily for Growth and Development?

Appeared in: MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The correct range is 100-150 micrograms (mcg) per day.
This range appropriately covers the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for older children (120 mcg/day) and adults (150 mcg/day).
Iodine is essential for producing thyroid hormones (T4 and T3), which are vital for regulating metabolism, supporting brain function, and ensuring normal growth and development throughout life.

Option A: This range is too low for adolescents and adults. It is the recommended amount for young children (ages 1-8 years).
Option C: While this range includes the adult RDA of 150 mcg, it is less precise. The standard recommendation is 150 mcg, not a range starting from it for the general population.
Option D: This range is significantly higher than the requirement for the general adult population. It reflects the increased needs during pregnancy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Iodine as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in educating patients about adequate iodine intake, particularly through the use of iodized salt, to prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD).
It is crucial to assess for signs of iodine deficiency, such as goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) and symptoms of hypothyroidism (fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance).
In the Indian context, promoting iodized salt is a major public health strategy under the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme to prevent goiter and cretinism.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for the standard daily iodine requirement for 'Growth and Development'. This generally refers to the adult Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).
Recall the specific RDA values for different life stages. The RDA for an adult is 150 micrograms (mcg).
Scan the given options to see which range includes the value of 150 mcg.
Both option B (100-150 mcg) and option C (150-200 mcg) contain 150 mcg.
Evaluate the ranges more closely. The 100-150 mcg range also covers the needs of adolescents (120 mcg), a key period of growth. It represents the progression to the adult requirement.
Select the most fitting range. Option B is a better fit as it encompasses the requirements for both older children and adults, which are critical periods for growth and development maintenance.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1205-1207

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 158-160

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 927-929

Practise the full MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.