Iodine comes in iodine salt. Requirement at production and consumer level respectively –
**Core Concept**
Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, cretinism, and other thyroid-related disorders. The requirement of iodine varies at different stages of production and consumption to ensure optimal thyroid function.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Iodine is added to salt at the production level to ensure that it reaches the consumer in sufficient amounts. This process is known as iodization. Iodized salt is fortified with iodine at a concentration of around 15-20 mg/kg, which is sufficient to meet the daily iodine requirements. The World Health Organization recommends that iodized salt should contain at least 15 mg of iodine per kilogram of salt.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because iodine is not added to salt at the consumer level. Iodization of salt is typically done at the production level to ensure that the salt is fortified with iodine before it reaches the consumer.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the iodine requirement at the consumer level is not 100 mg/kg. The recommended iodine intake for adults is around 150 μg/day, which is much lower than the concentration of iodine in iodized salt.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the iodine requirement at the production level is not 50 mg/kg. The typical concentration of iodine in iodized salt is around 15-20 mg/kg.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect because the iodine requirement at the consumer level is not 200 mg/kg. The recommended iodine intake for adults is around 150 μg/day, which is much lower than the concentration of iodine in iodized salt.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to note that excessive intake of iodine can lead to iodine toxicity, which can cause symptoms such as thyroid gland inflammation, goiter, and hypothyroidism. Therefore, the iodine content in iodized salt should be carefully monitored to avoid excessive iodine intake.
**Correct Answer: C. 15 mg/kg**