Iodine & its Deficiency
Iodine Deficiency Disorders or IDD is the most common cause of preventable brain damage and mental retardation in the world. It is also known to cause goitre , decrease child survival and weaken growth and development. In pregnant women , a lack of iodine usually causes stillbirths , miscarriages and other complications. Children with Iodine Deficiency Disorders may grow up into listless , stunted , mentally retarded individuals who are incapable of normal movements , speech or hearing.
A teaspoon of iodine is all a person requires during his or her lifetime. However , the thyroid gland does not have the capacity to amass this amount , so small amounts of iodine must be eaten regularly through a balanced diet over time.
Prevention:
Even though Iodine Deficiency Disorders cannot be cured , they can be easily prevented. This is done through the consumption of foods rich in iodine such as:
- Iodized or iodated salt
- Seafood and Seaweed
- Eggs , Meat and Dairy Products
- Cereals and Green Leafy Vegetables (depending on the amount of iodine present in the soil they were grown in)
- Iodine Supplements (usually recommended for pregnant women)
Related Article : Thyroid Obesity
Source :http://india.gov.in/citizen/health/iodine_deficiency_new.php