From the Research
Iodine Deficiency Overview
- Iodine is an essential component of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland and is, therefore, essential for mammalian life 1.
- Iodine deficiency is a major public health problem, with an estimated two billion individuals having an insufficient iodine intake globally 2.
Earliest Feature of Iodine Deficiency
- The earliest feature of iodine deficiency is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but it is known that iodine deficiency can cause a spectrum of disease, including goiter, cretinism, intellectual impairment, and adverse obstetric outcomes 1, 2.
- Iodine deficiency can also lead to subtle impairment of thyroid function, resulting in clinical syndromes resembling hypothyroidism or diseases associated with hypothyroidism, such as obesity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and psychiatric disorders 3.
Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD)
- IDD remains the most common cause of preventable mental impairment worldwide 4.
- The best strategy to control IDD is salt iodization, which is one of the most cost-effective ways to contribute to economic and social development 4.
- Iodine supplementation can be targeted to vulnerable groups when salt iodization is not possible 4.
Iodine Prophylaxis
- Iodized salt is the cornerstone of iodine prophylaxis in endemic areas, and continuous monitoring of community iodine intake and its related clinical outcomes is essential 5.
- Detailed strategies to implement iodine intake (supplementation) could be considered for specific population groups when iodized salt alone is insufficient to provide adequate requirements 5.