BY DR.KHOOBSURAT NAJMA
Today is Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day. Iodine deficiency is the world’s most common yet easily preventable cause of brain damage. Here are 9 things you should know about iodine deficiency:
- Iodine is needed for the production of thyroid hormone. The body cannot make iodine, so it is important to include in in the diet
- Iodine is present naturally in soil and seawater. In India, the soil is deficient in iodine, making the entire population prone to iodine deficiency
- Iodine deficiency causes improper functioning of thyroid gland leading to:
- Goiter: Without adequate iodine, the thyroid progressively enlarges (called goiter) as it tries to keep up with demand for thyroid hormone production
- Hypothyroidism: Iodine deficiency causes decreased production of thyroid hormones. Symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, muscle pains, fatigue, inability to concentrate, cold intolerance, irregular periods and constipation
- Pregnancy related complications: Severe iodine deficiency in the mother is associated with miscarriages, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and congenital abnormalities in their babies.
- Mental retardation: Children of mothers with severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can have mental retardation and problems with growth, hearing, and speech
- Cretinism: In the most severe form, an underactive thyroid can result in a condition characterized by permanent brain damage, mental retardation, deafness, mutism, spasticity, and short stature
Prevention: Iodine deficiency can be easily prevented by taking iodized salt and consuming foods rich in iodine like sea food, milk, eggs, cereal grains and meat
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Nice piece of information. I understand the problems arising out of iodine deficiency. Shall share with friends and others.
In Indian Cooking Recipe Iodized Salt is not appropriate. It is Feasible to use it raw. in Abroad people call it Table Salt n often use directly on Table It is International Marketing Fanda.
I completely agree with you, the so called Iodized branded salt have no minerals other than pure sodium chloride and iodine, the raw salt contains many essential minerals. Apart from this excess iodine can also create problems
nice post thanx