World Iodine Deficiency Day highlights importance of iodized salt

Observed annually on October 21, World Iodine Deficiency Day aims to raise awareness regarding the essential role of iodine in human health and the risks associated with its deficiency.

Iodine is a critical nutrient that enables the thyroid gland to produce hormones responsible for regulating metabolism, body temperature, and general growth. A deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, characterized by fatigue, lethargy, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold. Long-term deficiency may also cause goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland that results in visible swelling in the neck.

Special emphasis is placed on vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children. During pregnancy, adequate iodine is vital for the development of the fetus's brain and nervous system; severe deficiency can lead to complications such as miscarriage, premature birth, or impaired physical and mental development in the child. In children, iodine deficiency can hinder cognitive abilities and physical growth.

While using iodized salt is a primary method to prevent deficiency, health experts caution against excessive salt consumption, which can increase the risk of hypertension and heart disease. Other dietary sources include milk, yogurt, lentils, leafy green vegetables, potatoes, and seeds like sesame and pumpkin.