By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1188 on December 11, 2016, Goiter Awareness Week is observed every fourth week of January.
Goiter is a condition that refers to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. It is the most common effect and manifestation of iodine deficiency. It may also be caused by factors which interfere with the utilization of iodine by the thyroid gland. Early symptoms of goiter would include fatigue, low body temperature, dry skin, shortness of breath and depression.
Consequences of Iodine Deficiency
The effects of iodine deficiency, which could lead to a spectrum of diseases have been termed Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD), which include goiter, hypothyroidism, mental deficiency, physical deformities, cretinism and reproductive failures among susceptible individuals, families and communities.
In infant and preschoolers, lack of Iodine results to physical retardation in the form of cretinism characterized by mental retardation, squint, deaf-mutism and paralysis; less neurological effects on motor and cognitive development; and increased neonatal and infant mortality.
In school children, IDD results to poor learning ability, poor performance and general cognitive functions and low motivation.
In adults, IDD may also impair mental function, and poor work capacity resulting in low productivity.
In pregnant women, special attention should be provided because iodine deficiency during this critical period can cause premature birth, miscarriage or delivery of a baby with low intellect.
Prevention of IDD
Since iodine deficiency is the most common cause of goiter in the Philippines, people are advised to consume food rich in iodine such as dairy products, seafood (shellfish and seaweeds), meats, bread and eggs and to use iodized salt in their meals. Iodine is a trace mineral that is an essential component of thyroid hormones, which regulates basal metabolism, growth and body temperature. Thyroid hormones also play an important role in the development of the brain and central nervous system during fetal growth and development.
To address the lack of micronutrients in the country, ASIN Law, signed as Republic Act No. 8172 in 1995 was passed to promote the use of iodized salt and requires all salt manufacturers to iodize the salts they produce and distribute.
In the Cordillera Administrative Region, the Cordillera Salt Iodization Plant was established in the Cordillera region through the efforts of the government and agencies to aid in the fight against IDD in CAR.
/PQM/BMB/RDP
References:
https://www.thyroid.org/goiter/
http://enutrition.fnri.dost.gov.ph/site/uploads/2013_FaF_Biochemical_Survey.pdf
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2006/12/11/proclamation-no-1188-s-2006/
https://www.nnc.gov.ph/39-featured-articles/2972-doh-leads-observance-of-goiter-awareness-week-gaw-2019
https://www.jofem.org/index.php/jofem/article/view/414/501
Basic Nutrition for Filipinos. Enlarged for Metabolism. 6th Edition, pp. 187-189
Micronutrient Supplementation Manual of Operations
