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Iodine Defiency Disorder

© Keri

Iodine is essential to thyroid health. Too much or too little plays an important role in how the thyroid functions. Iodine defiency disorder(IDD) is the most common cause of preventable mental retardation in the world today. IDD affects 740 million people a year in 130 countries.

IDD was once considered a minor problem, causing goiter, thought to be a benign cosmetic blemish. In fact, IDD causes brain disorders, cretinism, miscarriages and goiter. It affects 50 million children. 100,000 cretins are born each year.

IDD can be prevented. Last year the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a campaign to eliminate IDD. There are effective and affordable ways to prevent IDD and its complications, the most common being iodized salt. WHO has proposed a plan for universal salt iodization.

It takes less than one teaspoon of iodine to provide enough for a lifetime. Unfortunately, the body doesn't store iodine for long periods and minute amounts are needed regularly. The maximum recommended daily dose is 150 micrograms, the minimum dose is 100 micrograms. In the US, most multi-vitamins contain at least that much and iodized salt is readily available. In fact, in Europe and America there is more risk of taking too much supplemental iodine.

However, there are still 1.6 billion people in the world at risk for IDD. While WHO is making progress, there is still much work to be done. Unlike immunization programs that eradicate disease, iodine must be taken in at regular intervals throughout one's lifetime.

Facts and Fallacies about iodine (from the International Council for Control of Iodine Defiency Disorders)
• Fallacy: Iodized salt cures Iodine Deficiency Disorders like cretinism.
• Fact: IDD can be prevented, but cannot be cured.
• Fallacy: Too much iodine is harmful.
• Fact: Long-term consumption of iodine through iodized salt is not toxic.
• Fallacy: Once salt is iodized, it's good forever.
• Fact: Iodized salt should be consumed within six months of purchase.
• Fallacy: Animals should not eat iodized salt.
• Fact: Iodized salt improves the health and productivity of livestock. Dairy cattle who are fed iodized salt produce iodine rich milk.

For more information:
• World Health Organization press release 25 May 1999
• Iodine Deficiency, Into the New Millennium

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