The celebration of the Goiter Awareness Week (GAW) is observed every fourth week of January by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1188 signed on December 11, 2006.

A goiter is a health condition that involves the enlargement of thyroid gland which is responsible for producing and secreting hormones that regulate growth and metabolism.

What causes goiter? It can be iodine deficiency, autoimmune disease (Grave’s Disease), hyperthyroidism or with other causes which includes smoking, hormonal changes, thyroiditis, overconsumption of iodine and radiation therapy.

The best way to prevent goiter is by adding Iodine in our diet. Iodine is an essential micronutrient for human and it is concentrated for about 70 to 80% in our thyroid gland. It helps in the regulation of basal metabolism, growth and body temperature. It also improves brain function, healthy pregnancy, weight control and heart health.

In relation to this, did you know that there is a Republic Act for Salt Iodization in the Philippines? The Republic Act 8172, known as An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN) Law, is an act which mandates the addition of iodine to all salt intended for animal and human consumption in order to eliminate micronutrient malnutrition in the country particularly Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD).

Since Iodine Deficiency Disorder is still a public health concern in the country especially among pregnant, breastfeeding mothers, adolescents and elderly, what should we consider in preventing this?

• Always use iodized salt when cooking. The recommended daily requirement of Iodine for adult is 150 micrograms which is equivalent to ¼ to ½ teaspoon of iodized salt.
• Look for the SISA Seal or the Saktong Iodine sa Asin seal on the packaging to make sure if it is adequately iodized. An adequately iodized salt should contain 30-70 parts per million or ppm of iodine.
• Minimize avoidable losses of iodine in iodized salt. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight, high temperature, humidity and contamination with moisture and dust from the environment
• Include food sources of iodine rich foods in our diet. Iodine can be found in seafoods like fish, shrimp, shellfish and seaweeds.
• Lessen the intake of or cook well goitrogen foods which include cruciferous vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, mustard greens and radish. Goitrogens are substances that disrupt production of thyroid hormones by interfering iodine from entering the thyroid gland.
• Let us be an advocate of the ASIN Law! Be guided and simply follow the “Kumainment No. 7: Gumamit ng Iodized Salt” of 10 Kumainments. Iodized salt is the primary and cheapest source of iodine.

As we celebrate the Goiter Awareness Week with its battecry- “Goiter Sugpuin, Isip Patalinuhin, Iodized Salt Gamitin!”, let us prevent goiter and other Iodine Deficiency Disorders by choosing healthy diet and by using iodized salt. The bottomline is the food we eat should be the safest and most powerful form of medicine. JMPP