The human body needs iodine for producing the thyroid hormone which is essential to control the body’s metabolism. Iodine insufficiency can cause Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) which can be prevented if iodine intake is observed carefully. To highlight the significance of iodine consumption and educate people about the significance of iodine-rich dietary practices, World Iodine Deficiency Day is celebrated each year on 21st October.
Benefits of Iodine
Carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, water, and fiber are required by our body in a balanced amount so that it can function appropriately. The vitamins and minerals are regularly known as micronutrients and when these are consumed in less amount, they can cause different deficiency diseases. Iodine is one such mineral that is mandatory for the production of thyroid hormones namely T3 and T4. Iodine assist in
- Regulating thyroid hormone production
- Ensuring a balanced metabolic rate
- Protein metabolism
- Bone growth
- Brain development
What are Iodine Deficiency Disorders?
When iodine levels in the body are less than expected, iodine deficiency disorders can happen. Some of the most common Iodine deficiency disorders are:
- Goiter
- Neuromuscular weakness
- Hypothyroidism
- Hearing impairment
- Speech impairment
- Spasticity
- Low intelligence levels
- Vision impairment
- Cretinism etc.
Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can influence the child growing in the womb as well.
How to Prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders?
Iodine isn’t produced inside the body. Hence, it needs to be consumed in the form of every day food and water supplements. A full-grown adult needs 150 microgram/day iodine in the body for the brain and body to function properly. Iodized salt, milk, bread curd, seafood, etc. are wealthy in iodine and hence need to be a part of day by day diet. The most common ingredient in cooking- salt can be replaced with iodized salt to get the every day dose of iodine.
World Iodine Deficiency Day
World health organization (WHO) conducted a survey that concluded that 54 countries on the planet are iodine deficient and hence 1/3 of the total world’s population has the danger of being affected by iodine deficiency. To spread awareness about this reality, Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Prevention Day or World Iodine Deficiency day is observed on 21st October consistently. The World Iodine Deficiency day aims to highlight the perils of less iodine in food and create awareness among the majority. Since prevention is better than cure, spreading the advantages of iodine helps people to eat right and adjust to a healthy lifestyle.
The goal of World Iodine Deficiency Day are
- To educate and explain the significance of iodine in the human body.
- To clarify the symptoms and preventive measures for every iodine deficiency disorder.
- To distinguish iodine-rich foods and motivate people to add them to their diet.
- To clarify people’s doubts with respect to this deficiency.
- To spread awareness by distributing pamphlets and showing audiovisuals on iodine-rich food items.
The objective of observing Iodine Deficiency Day is to grab the attention of people and make them build a healthy future by including a sufficient amount of iodine in their every day diet.
