3.5.2.3. Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD)

Iodine is required for normal mental and physical growth and development. IDD is an ecological phenomenon, largely due to deficiency of iodine in the soil. Some of the states in India where IDD is common are–Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh in the Himalayan belt, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Iodine is an essential nutrient that our body needs for many functions, particularly the production of thyroid hormones, which are crucial for growth and development. IDD, or Iodine Deficiency Disorders, arise when there is insufficient iodine intake in the diet. In some regions, especially where the soil lacks iodine, people are at greater risk of developing these disorders. In India, there are specific states where IDD is more prevalent due to geographical and agricultural factors.

Think of iodine as fuel for your body's engine. Just like a car needs fuel to run effectively, our body needs iodine to produce hormones necessary for regulating metabolism and growth. If a car runs low on fuel, it can't perform well; similarly, insufficient iodine can lead to growth and development issues.

The term ‘Iodine Deficiency Disorders’ refers to a spectrum of disabling conditions that affect the health of humans, from fetal life through adulthood due to inadequate dietary intake of iodine. Deficiency of iodine results in insufficient amount of thyroid hormone which is synthesised by the thyroid gland.

IDD is not just one specific disorder; rather, it encompasses various health issues caused by a lack of iodine. This deficiency can affect individuals at any stage of life—beginning even in fetal development. The thyroid gland, which relies on iodine to produce hormones, will not function properly in iodine-deficient individuals, leading to a variety of health challenges. These can include both physical and mental health issues, emphasizing the critical role that adequate iodine intake plays throughout a person's life.

Consider how a smartphone operates best when it has a full battery—without enough power, it won’t function properly. In a similar way, the body needs sufficient iodine to keep the thyroid gland ‘powered’ for producing hormones. Without enough iodine, the body's processes start to falter, leading to serious health problems.

Enlarged thyroid known as ‘goitre’ is the most common manifestation of iodine deficiency in adults. In children, it manifests as cretinism. Iodine deficiency in adults during pregnancy has several adverse effects specially resulting in mental retardation and congenital abnormalities of the fetus. Unfortunately this effect is irreversible.

In adults, the noticeable effect of iodine deficiency is goitre, which is an enlarged thyroid gland. For children, severe iodine deficiency can lead to cretinism, which severely impacts physical and cognitive development. Additionally, pregnant women who are iodine deficient can inadvertently impact their fetuses, leading to lasting cognitive impairments and physical disabilities, highlighting the critical nature of ensuring proper iodine intake, especially during pregnancy.

Imagine a plant that doesn’t get enough water; it can become stunted, and its leaves may turn yellow. In the same way, iodine deficiency leads to stunted growth and developmental issues in children. Just as watering a plant can help it thrive, providing enough iodine can help children grow and develop properly.

IDD is estimated to affect about 13 per cent of the world’s population and about 30 per cent are at risk.

IDD is a global health issue, affecting approximately 13% of the world’s population with many more considered at risk. This means that not only those currently suffering from IDD but also individuals who are iodine deficient could experience its effects, which may lead to widespread public health challenges. Understanding this prevalence underscores the necessity for iodine supplementation and public health initiatives.

Think of a school where a significant number of students are underperforming due to lack of basic supplies. Just as the school needs to assess and provide the necessary resources to improve students’ performance, societies need to assess and provide adequate iodine sources to prevent IDD among populations.

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