Question

What are the characteristics and management of Iodine Deficiency Disorder?

Answer 1

Introduction - Iodine is one of the important micronutrients of food .

RDA of iodine = 1) adults = approx 160 mcg/ day

2) pregnancy = approx 250 mcg /day

3) lactation = approx 290 mcg / day

Function = thyroid hormone synthesis in thyroid gland

Source = sea ( seaweed) mostly in coastal areas ,sea food like octopus ,fishes and other seafood .

Soil - potato ( rich source ) ,onion ,other roots .

Goiterogens are agent that inhibits iodine uptake which leads to Iodine deficiency disorders like goiter ,cretenisms etc , example are brassica group of vegetables like turnip , cabbage etc

Iodine deficiency disorders can causes following disease --

1) featus abortion - still birth , conginital anomaly

2) neonatal goiter - neonatal hypothyroidism

3)child goiter - impairment of mental health

4) adult goiter - hypothyroidism

Assessment of iodine deficiency status in community is done by checking 1) prevelence of goiter in an area 2) urinary Iodine excretion which is most sensitive indicator .3) cretenisms rates in community .

Management of iodine deficiency disorders

In India there is ' National Iodine deficiency disorders control program'(NIDDCP) who's strategy is

1) iodination of salt by using potassium iodide and iodate ( at manufacturers level more than 30 ppm and at consumer level more than 15 ppm )

2) iodinated food supplements like sea food ,more milk and egg yolks

3) different organisation working at district level who manages and do national annual iodine deficiency disorders survey