IODINE DEFICIENT DIET : CAUSE OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY
Chandigarh sunita shastri:
Today a week long activity regarding Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) prevention day was concluded with the message to masses that “it is time to introspect, sensitize and co sensitise the citizens of our city beautiful to take forward as individual responsibility to eliminate Iodine Deficiency Disorders “. In view of current pandemic situation, a webinar was organized on 21 October, 2020 to sensitize Medical officers and RBSK doctors working in various Civil Dispensaries /Health and Wellness centers regarding ongoing activities of state IDD cell under the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control programme under the chairmanship of Dr. Amandeep Kang, Director Health and Family Welfare, U. T, Chandigarh
IDDS is a major public health problem Worldwide. It is confirmed that one out of every five people in India lies in IDD Endemic Areas. It is estimated that 1.5 billion people in the world and over 200 million people are at rest of getting IDDS. India alone has more than 71 million people suffering from Goiter and other IDDS.
DHS conveyed a message through webinar that Normal daily requirement of Iodine for an individual is 100-150 micrograms and 200 micrograms for pregnant and lactating mothers and SOURCES of Iodine include are Sea food, sea fish, sea salt, sea weeds and cod liver oil, small amounts occur in milk, meat, cereals and vegetables.A number of physical and mental disorders result from iodine deficiency disorders, which affects every stage of human life. There is increased risk of abortion, still birth, congenital abnormalities, increased parental mortality, mental retardation, deaf and dumb, paralysis squint etc in fetal stage.
In children there is neonatal goiter, hypothyroidism, physical and mental growth retardation, lowering of IQ level, poor school grades and cretinism in extreme cases. Adults manifest with impaired mental function lower productivity, goiter with its complications.Prevention and Control of IDD’s: Though the problems of iodine deficiency disorders are severe and irreversible its control and preventive measures are very simple and cheap. We can prevent both present and future generations from the consequences of IDD’s just by consuming good quality iodized salt daily.
Health talks regarding adequate and optimal use of Iodized salt were imparted in Gynecology and Pediatric OPDs of GMSH-16, Chandigarh and sample for urine test for urinary Iodine excretion in pregnant women were taken In the past one week Salt Testing kits to check the level of iodization of salt were demonstrated in the Health centres. Many school children enthusiastically shared pictures of posters, slogans and essays written by them from their respective homes due to COVID pandemic.
