Iodine Deficiency

Iodine deficiency is a global health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a major cause of preventable mental retardation and other serious health problems in children. Iodine is an essential trace element for normal functioning of the human body, and is mainly found in seafood, dairy, and iodized salt. An inadequate intake of iodine can lead to iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) including goiter, cretinism, growth retardation, stillbirth and mental impairment. Treatment of iodine deficiency involves dietary supplementation with iodine-rich foods or iodized salt. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends universal salt iodization as the main intervention measure to combat IDD and prevent its associated health problems.