Iodine Deficiency Disorders

Iodine is a trace element essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones regulate the metabolic pattern of most cells and play a vital role in the process of early growth and development of most organs, especially the brain.

Soils from mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas, Alps, and Andes and from areas with frequent flooding, are more likely to be deficient in iodine. This deficiency is worsened due to an increase in deforestation and soil erosion. The food grown in iodine deficient regions can never provide enough iodine to the population and live-stock living there. Iodine does not occur naturally in specific foods. Iodine is present in the soil and is ingested through foods grown on that soil. Iodine deficiency results when there is lack of iodine on the earth’s crust. 

Iodine deficiency is the world’s most prevalent, yet easily preventable, cause of brain damage. Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), which can start before birth, jeopardize children’s mental health and often their very survival. 

Symptoms:

• Mental retardation
• Hypothyroidism
• Enlarged thyroid gland
• Deaf-mutism
• Gait abnormalities
• Growth abnormalities

Prevention:

Eating salt enriched with iodine on a daily basis can help to prevent IDD.

Food rich in iodine: Rich sources are sea fish, green vegetables and leaves like spinach grown on iodine rich soil. Common sources are milk, meat, and cereals. Consuming too much of certain vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower and radish prevents the body from getting enough iodine from the food and thus leads to the development of enlargement of thyroid gland (goiter).