Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders(IDD) Prevention Day or World Iodine Deficiency Day is annually observed across the globe on 21st October to create awareness about the importance of Iodine, an essential micronutrient which is required for normal thyroid function, growth and development.
Importance of Iodine:Â
i.Iodine is a mineral which is found mainly in animal protein foods and sea vegetables, and to a lesser extent in fortified foods like bread, cereals, and milk.
ii.It is an essential micronutrient which is required to make thyroid hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which assist with the creation of proteins and enzyme activity.
iii.The thyroid hormones also play a major role in controlling body metabolism.
- The Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of iodine is 150 micrograms (mcg) per day for most adults.
Iodine deficiency:Â
i.Idoine is not present in the food, unlike other nutrients. It is present in the soil and ingested through foods grown in that soil.
ii.The low content of iodine is caused due to the deficiency of iodine in the soil.
iii.Due to iodine deficiency, the iodine level reduces and the thyroid gland is unable to produce thyroid hormones.
IDD in India:Â
The entire population of India is prone to Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) due to a deficiency of iodine in the Indian soil.
Efforts to control iodine deficiency:
i.In 1962, the Government of India launched a National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP) which focused on the provision of iodized salt and identifying the endemic areas.
ii.In 1992, the NGCP was renamed as National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) to focus on a wide spectrum of IDD like mental and physical retardation, deaf mutisim, cretinism, stillbirths, abortions etc.
iii.NIDDCP aims to bring the prevalence of IDD to below 5% in India and to ensure 100% consumption of adequately iodated salt 15ppm at the household level.
Iodated salt:
To ensure the use of iodated salt, The GoI banned the sale of non-iodated salt for direct human consumption in India with effect from May 2006 under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954.
