Human iodine consumption: effects of iodine deficiency and measures taken in response.

Iodine deficiency is regarded as being the greatest cause of preventable mental retardation and brain damage. Cretinism and common goitre are among Iodine deficiency diseases (IDD). Still births, prenatal and infant mortality and hypothyroidism are linked with iodine deficiency (Vitti et al, 2001). Globally steps have been taken to increase consumption of iodine by the World Health Organisation, International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders and the United Nations Children's Fund. Since the widespread adoption …showed first 75 words of 1305 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1305 total…people have increased their iodine intake due to programs implemented over the past 20 years. Iodine deficiency diseases are still present around the world and it is recommended that iodisation of salt be implemented on a universal scale to combat the prevalence of IDD. This implementation must be integrated slowly to avoid adverse affects of IIH. Current regulations on fortification and promotion of iodine are not uniformed universal and this is ultimately the goal of ICCIDD.