THE ABSORPTION, EXCRETION, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECT OF IODINE IN NORMAL HUMAN SUBJECTS

Abstract

Ten normal men lived and worked in a hot, moist laboratory environment for 6 wks., ingesting about 200 mg. daily of I2 and I- contained in the drinking water. 3 other subjects acted as controls. It was found that inorganic I was rapidly and completely absorbed* from the gastrointestinal tract, and the plasma conc. of I was directly proportional to the quantity ingested. The I level in the plasma fell rapidly, reaching near basal levels within 72 hrs. after cessation of intake. The excretion of I was chiefly in the urine, but an appreciable fraction appeared in the sweat. Fecal excretion was negligible. The I conc. in the sweat was directly proportional to the plasma level. No effect on general health, acclimatization to heat, vital signs, basal metabolism, and clinical findings in the blood or urine could be ascribed to the ingestion of I.