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ABOUT IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDER
IDD PROBLEM STATEMENT
Iodine deficiency is the single most common cause of preventable mental retardation and brain damage in the world. It also decreases child survival, causes goiters, and impairs growth and development. Iodine deficiency in pregnant women causes miscarriages, stillbirths, and other complications. Children with IDD can grow up stunted, apathetic, mentally retarded, and incapable of normal movements, speech, or hearing. Globally, 2.2 billion people (38% of the world's population) live in areas with iodine deficiency and risks its complications.
Iodine deficiency was once considered a minor problem, causing goiter, an unsightly but seemingly benign cosmetic blemish. However, it is now known that the effects on the developing brain are much more deadly, and constitute a threat to the social and economic development of many countries.
Effective and affordable technology exists to prevent iodine deficiency and the problems it causes. The most important are iodized salt and effective monitoring of iodine nutrition.
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The above pyramid illustrates the fact that the visible effects of IDD (cretinism) account for only as much as 10% of the ramifications. At least 90% of IDD consequences remain hidden.
The solution is relatively simple. A teaspoon of iodine is all a person requires in a lifetime, but because iodine cannot be stored for long periods by the body, tiny amounts are needed regularly. In areas of endemic iodine deficiency, where soil and therefore crops and grazing animals do not provide sufficient dietary iodine to the populace, food fortification and supplementation have proven highly successful and sustainable interventions. Iodized salt programs and iodized oil supplements are the most common tools in the fight against IDD.
1. Iodized Salt, first choice for intervention:
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3. Social Mobilization, resources already available:
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2. Iodized Oil, practical supplementation:
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4. Research, multidisciplinary approach:
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To address Iodine Deficiency Disorders:
Fact Card Dimensions: 4" x 3"; available in English, French, and Spanish.
To obtain information about acquiring IDD Fact Cards please contact ICCIDD Communications Focal Point, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2200, New Orleans, LA 70112, by sending your request and mailing address to ICEC@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
Iodine is an essential element for thyroid function, necessary for the normal growth, development and functioning of the brain and body. Iodine deficiency is the single most common cause of preventable mental retardation and brain damage in the world.
The cause of Iodine Deficiency Disorders:
The effects of Iodine Deficiency Disorders:
IODINE DEFICIENCY SOLUTIONS:
Iodized Salt; first choice for intervention:
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Resources are available:
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Iodized Oil; a practical supplement:
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FALLACIES vs. FACTS
Fallacy: Iodized salt cures Iodine Deficiency Disorders like cretinism.
Fact: IDD can be prevented, but cannot be cured.
Fallacy: Too much iodine is harmful.
Fact: Long-term consumption of iodine through iodized salt is not toxic.
Fallacy: Once salt is iodized, it's good forever.
Fact: Iodized salt should be consumed within six months of purchase.
Fallacy: Animals should not eat iodized salt.
Fact: Iodized salt improves the health and productivity of livestock. Dairy cattle who are fed iodized salt produce iodine rich milk.
International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders.
For more information, contact the ICCIDD at: iccidd@virginia.edu
or Officers and Regional Coordinators as listed in "About ICCIDD."