World Iodine Deficiency Day

Introduction   World Iodine Deficiency Day , also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day , is observed annually on 21st October. The day aims to raise awareness about the essential role of iodine in maintaining good health and to emphasize the consequences of iodine deficiency. This document outlines the importance of iodine in daily nutrition and its crucial significance in preventing iodine deficiency disorders.   What is Iodine?   Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones , thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism and are crucial for fetal and infant development. Found in foods and iodized salt, iodine exists in several forms, including sodium and potassium salts, inorganic iodine (I2), iodate, and iodide . Iodide, the most common form, is quickly absorbed in the stomach and used by the thyroid for hormone production. Most excess iodide is excreted through urine.   What happens in Iodine Deficiency?   Iodine deficiency has multiple adverse effects on growth and development and is the most common cause of preventable intellectual disability in the world. Iodine deficiency disorders result from inadequate thyroid hormone production secondary to insufficient iodine . During pregnancy and early infancy, iodine deficiency can cause irreversible effects. hypothyroidism occurs, a condition that is frequently accompanied by goitre. Goitre is usually the earliest clinical sign of iodine deficiency.   neurodevelopmental deficits and growth retardation in the fetus as well as  miscarriage and stillbirth. characterized by intellectual disability, deaf mutism, motor spasticity,  stunted growth, delayed sexual maturation, and other physical and neurological abnormalities.  neurodevelopmental deficits such as somewhat lower than average intelligence  as measured by IQ. increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. impaired mental function and work productivity secondary to hypothyroidism. follicular form of thyroid cancer.   National Efforts to Eradicate Iodine Deficiency   Recognizing the serious health implications of iodine deficiency, the Government of India initiated national efforts to combat the problem through the National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP) in 1962. This program marked a significant step toward addressing iodine deficiency, which was linked to conditions such as mental and physical retardation, cretinism, and stillbirths.   In 1992, the program was broadened and renamed the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) to cover a wider range of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and ensure its implementation across all States and Union Territories.     Primary goals of NIDDCP include:   To accomplish these goals, the programme focuses on several key objectives :     A major policy decision was made in 1984 to iodize all edible salt in India, which became a phased initiative starting in 1986 . By 1992 , the country aimed to fully transition to iodized salt. Today, India produces 65 lakh metric tonnes of iodized salt annually, which is sufficient to meet the needs of its population. This ongoing national effort underscores the government’s commitment to eradicating iodine deficiency and improving public health.   Achievements of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP)   The implementation of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) has led to significant achievements in the reduction of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) across India:   Global efforts to combat iodine deficiency   Global efforts to combat iodine deficiency have been significant, with initiatives like Iodine Deficiency Day focusing on raising awareness about the critical role iodine plays in thyroid function, growth, and development. Globally, an estimated 1.88 billion people are at risk of inadequate iodine intake, impacting nearly 30% of school-aged children. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have championed universal salt iodization since 1993, resulting in over 120 countries adopting iodization programs. These concerted efforts have led to a significant reduction in iodine deficiency disorders across India, contributing to the improvement of public health.   Conclusion   In conclusion, World Iodine Deficiency Day serves as a reminder of the progress made in preventing iodine deficiency disorders through national initiatives like NIDDCP and global efforts spearheaded by WHO and UNICEF . Continued and monitoring will ensure sustained success, ultimately contributing to healthier populations and improved quality of life worldwide!     References https://nhm.gov.in/images/pdf/programmes/ndcp/niddcp/revised_guidelines.pdf Click here to download PDF ****** Santosh Kumar/Sarla Meena/ Madiha Iqbal Introduction   World Iodine Deficiency Day , also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day , is observed annually on 21st October. The day aims to raise awareness about the essential role of iodine in maintaining good health and to emphasize the consequences of iodine deficiency. This document outlines the importance of iodine in daily nutrition and its crucial significance in preventing iodine deficiency disorders.   What is Iodine?   Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones , thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism and are crucial for fetal and infant development. Found in foods and iodized salt, iodine exists in several forms, including sodium and potassium salts, inorganic iodine (I2), iodate, and iodide . Iodide, the most common form, is quickly absorbed in the stomach and used by the thyroid for hormone production. Most excess iodide is excreted through urine.   What happens in Iodine Deficiency?   Iodine deficiency has multiple adverse effects on growth and development and is the most common cause of preventable intellectual disability in the world. Iodine deficiency disorders result from inadequate thyroid hormone production secondary to insufficient iodine . During pregnancy and early infancy, iodine deficiency can cause irreversible effects. hypothyroidism occurs, a condition that is frequently accompanied by goitre. Goitre is usually the earliest clinical sign of iodine deficiency.   neurodevelopmental deficits and growth retardation in the fetus as well as  miscarriage and stillbirth. characterized by intellectual disability, deaf mutism, motor spasticity,  stunted growth, delayed sexual maturation, and other physical and neurological abnormalities.  neurodevelopmental deficits such as somewhat lower than average intelligence  as measured by IQ. increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. impaired mental function and work productivity secondary to hypothyroidism. follicular form of thyroid cancer.   National Efforts to Eradicate Iodine Deficiency   Recognizing the serious health implications of iodine deficiency, the Government of India initiated national efforts to combat the problem through the National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP) in 1962. This program marked a significant step toward addressing iodine deficiency, which was linked to conditions such as mental and physical retardation, cretinism, and stillbirths.   In 1992, the program was broadened and renamed the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) to cover a wider range of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and ensure its implementation across all States and Union Territories.     Primary goals of NIDDCP include:   To accomplish these goals, the programme focuses on several key objectives :     A major policy decision was made in 1984 to iodize all edible salt in India, which became a phased initiative starting in 1986 . By 1992 , the country aimed to fully transition to iodized salt. Today, India produces 65 lakh metric tonnes of iodized salt annually, which is sufficient to meet the needs of its population. This ongoing national effort underscores the government’s commitment to eradicating iodine deficiency and improving public health.   Achievements of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP)   The implementation of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) has led to significant achievements in the reduction of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) across India:   Global efforts to combat iodine deficiency   Global efforts to combat iodine deficiency have been significant, with initiatives like Iodine Deficiency Day focusing on raising awareness about the critical role iodine plays in thyroid function, growth, and development. Globally, an estimated 1.88 billion people are at risk of inadequate iodine intake, impacting nearly 30% of school-aged children. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have championed universal salt iodization since 1993, resulting in over 120 countries adopting iodization programs. These concerted efforts have led to a significant reduction in iodine deficiency disorders across India, contributing to the improvement of public health.   Conclusion   In conclusion, World Iodine Deficiency Day serves as a reminder of the progress made in preventing iodine deficiency disorders through national initiatives like NIDDCP and global efforts spearheaded by WHO and UNICEF . Continued and monitoring will ensure sustained success, ultimately contributing to healthier populations and improved quality of life worldwide!     References https://nhm.gov.in/images/pdf/programmes/ndcp/niddcp/revised_guidelines.pdf Click here to download PDF ****** Santosh Kumar/Sarla Meena/ Madiha Iqbal