Cebu City – Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) continues to be a nutrition challenge not just in Central Visayas but throughout the country. IDD is brought about by inadequate intake of iodine-rich foods leading to a spectrum of diseases including goiter, hypothyroidism, mental disorder, physical deformities, cretinism, and reproductive failure.
Goiter, one of the common manifestations of IDD refers to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid due to insufficiency of iodine consumed by an individual. If a person does not consume enough iodine, the body will not be able to make enough thyroid hormone, leading to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Iodine is an essential micronutrient needed by everyone particularly the infants and women who are pregnant. These are minerals that helps the body by making thyroid hormones which controls the body’s metabolism, proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy.
Nevertheless, as with many diseases, it is better to prevent rather than to treat goiter. This can be done by eating iodine-rich food like shellfishes, seaweeds and other salt water fishes. Another is by following the 7th Kumainment which is using adequate iodized salt in every meal considering that salt is one of the most practical sources of iodine since it is the primary ingredient used in cooking.
According to the Proclamation No. 1188, s. 2006, the prevention and long-term solution of iodine deficiency can be brought about by information dissemination, education and training, research and preventive measures like the use of iodized salt adopted early enough to forestall frank clinical manifestations and disabilities. Hence the declaration of every fourth week of January as the Goiter Awareness Week.
The National Nutrition Council Region VII through the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force will celebrate the Goiter Awareness Week (GAW) on 23-27 January themed “Goiter Sugpuin, Isip Patalinuhin, Iodized Salt Gamitin” emphasizing the importance of utilizing quality iodized salt.
Part of the lined-up activities is advocating with other agencies and local government units on the observance of the GAW. A media campaign highlighting the importance of iodine and its sources will also be done.
Activities for this year’s Goiter Awareness Week celebration will be posted in NNC 7’s Facebook Page at facebook.com/NNCRVII. ///NVS
