Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day
October 21 - 21
Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day or World Iodine Deficiency Day is observed every year on 21st October. The aim behind this day is to generate awareness of adequate use of iodine and to highlight the consequences of iodine deficiency. The iodine deficiency disorders have become a major public health problem worldwide. In today's scenario one third of the world population is at the risk of iodine deficiency disorders. According to the WHO around 54 countries are still iodine – deficient. Iodine is a micro nutrient which is required for the human growth and development.
Deficiency of iodine may cause following disorders:
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Mental illness: subnormal intelligence, mental retardation, impaired cognitive development in children, brain damage
- neuromuscular weakness and spasticity (muscle stiffness)
- Endemic cretinism (stunted physical and mental growth)
- Still birth and Spontaneous abortion in pregnant women
- Congenital abnormalities such as deaf-mutism (inability to speak) and dwarfism.
- Defect in vision, hearing, and speech
- Milk
- Eggs
- Seaweed
- Shellfish
- Sea fish
- Seafood
- Meat
- Cereal Grains