The Importance of Iodine in Our Diet

This week from September 1-7 is celebrated as National Nutrition Week to emphasize the importance of good nutrition for our health and well being. Let us know more about an important micronutrient which is less talked about- Iodine. It is estimated that around 35 percent of the world is deficient in iodine and suffer iodine deficiency disorders(IDDs). People from all strata of society, even celebrities have been affected by this deficiency, the latest being Sonam Kapoor who recently revealed that she is iodine deficient. Symptoms Of Iodine Deficiency A deficiency in iodine intake can result in health issues such as goiter, changes in heart rate, unexpected weight gain, dry flaky skin, fatigue, and hair fall, swelling of thyroid glands in the neck, constipation etc. Pregnant women require more iodine than usual and therefore, they need to consciously increase the intake of iodine so that the foetus doesn’t suffer brain damage. Iodine rich food The deficiency can easily be countered by making a simple addition of good quality branded iodised salt to your daily diet. Iodine is most concentrated in foods like fish, eggs, nuts, meat, bread, dairy products and seaweed. Prunes are also an excellent source of iodine for vegetarians. Efforts To Eradicate Iodine Deficiency For the last three decades, India is working towards the eradication of iodine deficiency, yet it still suffers from low iodine intake, especially women and children. One drawback is that India’s soil is also deficient in iodine and hence the food derived from it is also wanting in iodine. Dr Chandrakant S Pandav, alumni at AIIMS, New Delhi, and popularly known as ‘the Iodine Man of India’ said, “a pinch of iodized salt can give us freedom from preventable brain damage as we continue on our journey to become a healthy nation.” WHO and UNICEF have recommended the universal iodisation of salt to ensure that everyone has a sufficient intake of iodine. Let us be aware of the importance of iodine in our diet and ensure daily consumption of adequately iodised salt for a healthy mind and body. Image Source: Independent Nurse