World Iodine Deficiency Day celebrated on October 21, spreads awareness for the role that iodine has in the health of the human body.
The day raises public awareness of the critical function iodine plays in human health. Iodine is a micronutrient that is required for appropriate thyroid function, as well as for healthy growth and development. Iodine deficiency occurs when the soil is poor in iodine, causing a low concentration in food products and insufficient iodine intake in the population. The consequence of iodine deficiency during pregnancy is impaired synthesis of thyroid hormones by the mother and the foetus. An insufficient supply of thyroid hormones to the developing brain may result in mental retardation. Brain damage and irreversible mental retardation are the most important disorders induced by iodine deficiency. Daily consumption of salt fortified with iodine is a proven effective strategy for prevention of IDD