World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day - Is Iodine Deficiency Dangerous?

The world observes The World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day on the 21st of October every year. Iodine deficiency is among the most underpublicized problems of the 21st century affecting the masses in over 54 countries, especially in Asia and Africa. This day aims to raise awareness about the perils of iodine deficiency, something that affects more than 30 per cent of the world’s population. Iodine is a micronutrient that is not produced by the body. This makes it essential to supply it from external sources, without which you can experience dangerous health conditions like the following.

Impeded growth

Iodine is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. This gland is responsible for the proper metabolism and absorption of other nutrients in the body. Without iodine, all functions like growth and development that are dependent on these nutrients become impeded.

Mental retardation

Iodine is required for children to ensure proper mental development. Without proper access to this micronutrient, children may show delayed achievement of development milestones, reduced intellectual capacity, and even permanent mental retardation. Children with jeopardized mental health from iodine deficiency often have very low chances of survival.

Complications in childbirth

The body requires an excess portion of iodine during pregnancy. If the iodine needs are not met during pregnancy, it can give rise to many complications including stillbirths and spontaneous abortions. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause a condition called cretinism in the children, which shows growth retardation, developmental delays, and malformed features.

Impaired vision, speech, and hearing

The deficiency of iodine causes impairment of vision, speech, and hearing. In extreme cases of iodine deficiency, the person may suffer from squint deafness and inability to form sentences. This is because iodine affects the functioning of the thyroid gland which is responsible for the proper functioning of all parts of the brain. Without an adequate supply of iodine, these faculties get compromised.

Changes in the Breast

In females, iodine deficiency in the body makes the tissues of the breast more sensitive to the oestrogen hormone levels. The deficiency of iodine has shown the presence of cystic tissues in the breast, fibrous tissue plaques, and association with pain in the breast. However, these conditions are reversible with increased iodine levels in the body.

To ensure everyone receives the required amounts of iodine, the government has made it compulsory to sell only iodized salt. Yet, iodine deficiency can result from a number of causes including lack of access to iodized salt. Therefore, if you are experiencing any signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency, you should immediately get in touch with your physician and get your iodine levels checked.