The simplest, effective, and cheapest way to get away from iodine deficiency and thyroid diseases is the consumption of none other than --- iodized salt!
Based on the 2018-2019 FNRI-DOST Expanded National Nutrition Survey, 2 out of 10 pregnant mothers are iodine deficient. Poor iodine levels during pregnancy can threaten the baby’s mental health and in severe cases, causes brain damage. It can also result in stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, and congenital abnormalities such as cretinism - an irreversible form of mental retardation. Iodine deficiency can likewise lead to goiter or the enlargement of the thyroid gland and hypothyroidism, which are preventable disorders of the thyroid gland.
Iodine is needed in the production of thyroid hormones. The body does not make iodine, so it is important that iodine is part of our daily diet. Foods that are rich in iodine include seaweeds and other seafoods, milk and dairy products. Low intake of iodine over long period of time will make the thyroid gland work harder to produce the right amount of thyroid hormones needed by the body. To trap iodine, the thyroid gland may increase in size and becomes visible in the neck. This is what we call simple goiter.
So how can we get iodine in our daily diet? The simplest way is to use iodized salt. This the most cost-effective way of preventing iodine deficiency and thyroid disorders. Republic Act No. 8172 “An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide or the ASIN Law mandates the national government agencies like the DOH, DTI, DOST, and NNC as well as the local government units to ensure that iodized salt is available, accessible, and consumed by Filipinos.
The National Nutrition Council through its Kumainment No. 7, “Gumamit ng iodized salt”, recommends the use of iodized salt in preventing simple goiter and other iodine deficiency disorders.
We can prevent iodine deficiency and thyroid disorders due to poor consumption of iodine. Let us protect pregnant mothers and their babies against iodine deficiency disorders. Goiter sugpuin, isip patalinuhin, iodized salt ang gamitin!
Written by: NOIII Emerenciana L. Francia and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo
References:
- Who.int
- Healthy Pilipinas’ FAQs on World Thyroid Day
