Iodine Deficiency Disorder or IDD: A Public Health Problem in Many Countries
Iodine is an element that is essential for the combination of thyroid hormones, triodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4). It enters the body in the form of iodate or iodide either through the water we drink or by the food we eat. The thyroid gland in our body traps and concentrates the iodide that uses it in the synthesis and storage of thyroid hormones. These regulate the metabolic pattern of most cells. They also affect the physical and mental growth and the function of many other systems in the body.
Since the human body does not make iodine, it is an essential part of the daily diet. When a person’s diet is deficient in iodine, the thyroid gland becomes enlarge as it tries to increase the production of thyroid hormones.
Many countries around the world have problems with iodine deficiency. This is because of the geographic area and diet. More than 2 billion people worldwide are at risk of having IDD and 30 to 70% of them have goiter. It is found that the clinical disorder of iodine deficiency is likely to be associated with coexisting selenium and vitamin A deficiencies. IDD is also more to occur in areas where goitrogens like cassava, is a major staple for diet. Goitrogens are substances that suppress the functions of the thyroid gland by interfering with the iodine intake which results to goiter.
Iodine deficiency is usually associated with goiter and hypothyroidism. But when severe iodine deficiency occurs during the pregnancy, it is associated with miscarriages, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and congenital abnormalities on babies. Children of mothers who have severe iodine deficiency during their pregnancy period can have mental retardation and problems affecting growth, hearing and speech. Iodine deficiency also results to low intelligence in children.
Iodized salt is the most preferred method of increasing iodine intake. Many countries have legally mandated salt iodination to address this global problem of IDD. Salt is often the only on that some communities can’t provide for themselves and is a dietary necessity. Iodized salt is one efficient way of distributing iodine for mass consumption.
But in cases when salt iodization is impractical or delayed, there are other options available. It includes iodized oil, iodized water, and iodine tablets or drops. These can be taken in order for the body to have the needed iodine. Water is a daily necessity like salt that can be iodized by adding a few drops of iodine to it. Pregnant and lactating mothers can be given tablets that contain potassium iodide.
Iodine deficiency still remains as the world’s most widespread thyroid disease, despite of the many efforts for its awareness and progress in decreasing the number of affected areas. But having the right knowledge about iodine deficiency and the disorders it will cause can start the response needed to combat its continuing spread in many countries. Taking the appropriate action to address early signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency can also help fight the growth of IDD.
Published at: 10/22/2015
