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Iodine is an essential dietary component that is crucial for physical and neurological development of our bodies. However, a vast majority of Indians suffer from iodine deficiency. Approximately 70 million people in India currently suffer from iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), with an additional 350 million at risk due to insufficient iodine intake from salt. These figures were recently highlighted in a report by Dr. Purnima Agarwal MD/DM, Associate Professor, Department of Endocrinology, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital*.
World Iodine Deficiency Day, observed on October 21st, highlights the critical importance of iodine for human health, particularly for proper growth and development. Iodine is an essential micronutrient that the body needs but cannot produce on its own.
Iodine is crucial for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which play a vital role in brain development, especially during fetal life and early childhood. Deficiency can lead to impaired cognitive function, reduced IQ, and developmental delays.
Why is Iodine Essential for the Human Body?
Iodine intake is essential for the synthesis of thyroxine hormone, which facilitates the development of the human body.
- Thyroid Health: Adequate iodine intake is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Deficiency can lead to goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) and hypothyroidism, which can cause fatigue, weight gain, depression, and other health issues.
- Maternal and Child Health: Iodine deficiency in pregnant women can have severe consequences for the developing fetus, including increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and cretinism (a severe form of mental and physical retardation). It also impacts the healthy growth and development of children.
The body's requirement for iodine can only be fulfilled by consuming iodine-rich foods and iodised salt.
What is the Significance of World Iodine Deficiency Day?
World Iodine Deficiency Day aims to educate the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers about the importance of iodine for overall health, especially for pregnant women and children. It emphasises the devastating effects of iodine deficiency, which can include goitre, hypothyroidism, and impaired cognitive development, particularly in foetuses and young children.
Accordingly, it serves the following objectives:
- Public Health Awareness: The day serves as a global platform to raise awareness among the public, policymakers, and healthcare professionals about the prevalence and consequences of iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs).
- Monitoring Iodine Status: World Iodine Deficiency Awareness is aimed at emphasising the need for regular monitoring and surveillance of iodine levels in populations to identify at-risk groups and assess the effectiveness of intervention programmes.
- Promoting Universal Salt Iodisation: A primary strategy for combating IDDs is universal salt iodisation (USI), where all salt for human and animal consumption is fortified with iodine. World Iodine Deficiency Day advocates for the implementation and monitoring of USI programs worldwide.
- Advocacy for Screening and Intervention: The day encourages regular screening for iodine deficiency, especially in vulnerable populations, and promotes timely interventions to prevent and treat IDDs.
- Global Collaboration: It fosters collaboration among governments, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector to develop and implement effective strategies for sustainable elimination of IDDs.
What is the World Iodine Deficiency Awareness Day 2025 Theme?
The official theme for World Iodine Deficiency Awareness Day 2025 has not been announced yet.
However, the World Iodine Deficiency Day theme generally revolves around the significance of iodised salt in removing iodine deficiency. For instance, the official theme for World Iodine Deficiency Day 2024 was "Salt it up for good health!". This theme highlighted the crucial role of adequate iodine intake, especially through iodised salt, for healthy growth and development.
What Happens if Iodine Intake Falls Below the Minimum Level?
Iodine deficiency, defined as an intake below 10 to 20 mcg/day, can lead to the following health issues:
- Hypothyroidism, often first presenting as a goitre. This deficiency disease is marked by swollen thyroid gland.
- In pregnant women, iodine deficiency can result in severe fetal neurodevelopmental and growth issues, as well as miscarriage and stillbirth.
- Chronic, severe iodine deficiency in utero (i.e. in a woman's uterus) is can cause of cretinism. This condition marked by intellectual disability, deaf mutism, motor spasticity, stunted growth, delayed sexual masturbation, and various other physical and neurological abnormalities.
Which Foods can Fight Iodine Deficiency?
Iodised salt is the most common and effective way to ensure adequate iodine intake, as it's fortified with iodine. Apart from that, the following foods are rich in iodine and can help prevent deficiency:
- Seaweed: Nori, kelp, kombu, and wakame are excellent sources of iodine. The iodine content can vary significantly depending on the type and preparation.
- Fish and Shellfish: Cod, tuna, haddock, shrimp, and oysters are good sources of iodine.
- Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, and cheese contain iodine, though the amount can vary based on the iodine content in the cow's feed.
- Eggs: Eggs provide a moderate amount of iodine.
- Some Fruits and Vegetables: While generally not as high in iodine as seafood or dairy, some fruits and vegetables can contribute to overall intake, especially if grown in iodine-rich soil. Examples include potatoes (with skin), prunes, and cranberries.
Besides taking an iodine-rich diet, it is important to have a safety net to fight medical emergencies that may arise due to a deficiency disease, in the form of health coverage.
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Getting treatment for thyroid-related illness? No more worries about the treatment costs and regular medications if you have adequate health coverage. Ideally, opt for a comprehensive critical illness insurance plan that includes fundamental benefits like annual check-up coverage. Additionally, prioritise plans offering reduced waiting periods for pre-existing conditions such as thyroid disorders.
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