Our body needs at least 40 different nutrients for proper function and good health. One of these nutrients is iodine. Iodine is a mineral that is an essential component of thyroid hormones, the hormones necessary for development and metabolism.

Goiter is the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid glands. It is a form of iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) that is caused by insufficient intake of iodine. Another form of IDD is hypothyroidism or inadequate production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid glands and goiter. Iodine deficiency among pregnant women may also result to miscarriage, abnormal fetal positions, and stillbirths. It may also lead to irreversible effects such as intellectual disabilities and growth retardation among infants and children whose mothers experienced iodine deficiency during pregnancy.

According to the 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) conducted by the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute, iodine deficiency is observed among pregnant and lactating women and elder people 60 years old and above.

It is recommended to eat iodine-rich foods to prevent goiter. These foods include saltwater fishes, shellfish such as shrimp, seaweeds, and dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Another effective and cost-efficient way to have iodine in your diet is to use iodized salt in preparing and cooking food.  However, salt intake should not be more 1 teaspoon for adults to prevent hypertension and other non-communicable diseases. Iodine supplement may be prescribed by physicians in endemic areas where more than 30% of the population has goiter.

Part of the government’s efforts to address IDDs is the declaration of the fourth week of January as Goiter Awareness Week. This is by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1188 signed on December 11, 2006. The celebration aims to prevent and provide long-term solution to IDDs through information dissemination, education and training, research, and promotion on the use of iodized salt. This year’s Goiter Awareness Week Celebration will run from January 24-30, 2022 with the theme, “Leeg ay Tutukan, Goiter ay Lunasan”.

Everyone is enjoined to participate in the celebration. Eat iodine rich foods and follow Kumainment #7 - Gumamit ng iodized salt.

Goiter Sugpuin, Isip Patalinuhin, Iodized Salt Gamitin!

Written by:
NOII Theresa A. Rivas and
NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo

References:

• National Nutrition Council and University of the Philippines. 2013. Trainer’s Manual on Basic Course for Barangay Nutrition Scholars. Manila: Philippines.
• Philippine Health Advisories. Department of Health. 2012.
• Healthy Pilipinas Facebook Page
• Proclamation No. 1188, December 11, 2006. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2006/12/11/proclamation-no-1188-s-2006/