Cebu City – The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adequate intake of iodine.in our daily diet. Diets poor in iodine may lead to many diseases particularly Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD). This disorder is the common cause of goiter, hypothyroidism, decreased fertility rate, cretinism, and intellectual disability.

Lack of iodine is also common during pregnancy. And, when a pregnant woman suffers such a condition, it may cause brain damage to their newborns. The detrimental effect on the mental development of children negatively affects their productivity as adults, when this condition is highly avoidable through adequate iodine intake.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults and adolescents is 150 mcg/day, 250 mcg/day for pregnant and lactating women and 120 mcg/day for children aged 6-12 years (WHO). Since iodine cannot be produced by the body naturally, we need to get it from our daily plates. Iodized salt is the common source of iodine in many of us. However, a significant number of people are still unaware of the advantage of using iodized salt.

Even salt manufacturers and salt retailers must be educated that enough iodine in the salt they produce or distribute is critical to their consumer's health. This has been the mandate as stated in the RA 8172 also known as An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN) which requires all producers and manufacturers of food-grade salt to iodize the salt they produce, manufacture, import, trade, or distribute to eliminate micronutrient malnutrition in the country. This policy along with the international effort aims to reduce the risks and end the ongoing global concern of IDD.

You can start with yourself and in your household by following Kumainment No 7 – Gumamit ng iodized salt and by ensuring that your family is using ONLY Iodized Salt. Look for the Saktong Iodine sa Asin or SISA seal in your next trip to the market or grocery store. // PNFP Mary Bliss Joy P. Iguana, RND