Cebu City--Iodine is an important mineral for our body, why is that? Well, it aids in maintaining the thyroid hormone at a normal level thus preventing any thyroid problems from occurring. Common thyroid problems are hyperthyroidism. This occurs when there is too much, hypothyroidism, and goiter.
The thyroid hormone plays a great role in the growth and development of the body. It performs a role in every cell and organ in the body which is the key on how the body burns calories, how fast the heart is beating (heart rate), the internal body temperature. It also influences on how food travels through the digestive tract, how muscles contract, and affects the rate on how fast cells are replaced.
Iodine fortification is one of the best ways to improve iodine intake, thus this method is common to many countries. The conventional fortified food item is the iodized salt, where in the Philippines it is supported by a law which is known as the Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN) law or Republic Act 8172.
In the next grocery trip make sure that the salt you purchase is the Iodized one as you and your family adhere to Kumainment No 7 – Gumamit ng iodized salt. This is one in many little ways you can help your body get the right amount of iodine it needs. // NO I Christine April M. Lopez, RND
