Medindia- Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day

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Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day-21^st October 2005

Iodine Deficiency Disorder

Iodine Deficiency is the world�s most prevalent yet easily preventable cause of brain damage. The micronutrient deficiency disorder is most commonly seen among poor, pregnant women and preschool children. It results in stunted physical and mental growth and poses serious threat to the economy of developing countries. Supplementation of small quantities of iodine at low cost can help prevent the incidence of this serious disorder.

Sources of Iodine

The primary sources of dietary iodine are saltwater fish, seaweed, and trace amounts in grains, bread, miIk, eggs, and meat. Fruits contain little iodine, as do vegetables with the exception of spinach. Iodine deficiency disorder primarily occurs in mountainous regions such as the Himalayas, the European Alps, and the Andes, where iodine has been washed away by glaciation and flooding. Iodine deficiency also occurs in lowland regions far from the oceans, such as central Africa and Eastern Europe.

Iodine Deficiency And Hypothyroidism

Enlargement of the thyroid gland begins as an adaptive process to low iodine intake as the thyroid gland starts to work more and more to compensate for the lack of the mineral. This results in increase in size of the gland. When iodine deficiency is more severe, thyroid hormone production falls and the patient experiences a hypothyroid condition.

Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorder

The National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP) launched in 1962 and was renamed as National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Program (NIDDCP). The program attempts to minimise the incidence of Iodine deficiency among the Indian population. One of the major steps towards the goal has been promoting the use of iodised salt in the Country. Salt has been chosen on account of the low productive cost and the affordability.

Hyperthyroidism And Iodine Intake

It is true that iodine deficiency can be corrected by adding the required amount of iodine to foods commonly consumed such as salt and bread. However, an abrupt increase in dietary iodine can cause hyperthyroidism in people living in iodine-deficient areas of the world. Repots of epidemics of Hyperthyroidism caused by excess iodine has been observed in the United States and other parts of the world where dietary iodine is sufficient.

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