World Iodine Deficiency Day

The human body needs a daily supply of vitamins, minerals and trace elements One of the most important is iodine, which is responsible for the production of thyroid hormones Its deficiency leads to the development of hypothyroidism, diffuse goiter, endemic cretinism and other dangerous diseases According to WHO, more than 16 million people on earth live in iodine-deficient areas About 2 billion people lack it To draw attention to the problems that arise due to the lack of an essential microelement, World Iodine Deficiency Prevention Day was established, celebrated on October 21 During World Iodine Deficiency Day, lectures, seminars and other educational events are held In their speeches, experts talk about the global problem of iodine deficiency and ways to overcome it It is possible to prevent disruptions in the hormonal system and disturbances in mental activity if you follow the recommendations of doctors Regular consumption of iodized salt, other fortified foods and dietary supplements allows you to compensate for the deficiency of the chemical substance Signs and symptoms of a deficiency of a valuable micronutrient include swelling, muscle weakness, dry skin, weight gain, brittle nails and hair, and high cholesterol In children and adolescents, iodine deficiency manifests itself in delayed mental development and puberty, dental problems, and impaired cognitive functions In adults, due to an enlarged thyroid gland, a goiter is often visualized, a decrease in heart rate, chronic fatigue and depression are observed A deficiency of an element with atomic number 53 from group 17 of the periodic table occurs in people living far from the seas, in mountainous areas and in territories whose soil practically does not contain iodine Its deficiency is diagnosed in citizens of New Zealand, countries of Africa and Southeast Asia, and the island states of Haiti and Madagascar The most iodine is found in seaweed, cod, shrimp and other seafood Therefore, people living in the Mediterranean and on the ocean coasts do not suffer from its deficiency in the body Risk factors that can cause iodine deficiency in the body include selenium deficiency, radiation, taking oral contraceptives, living in environmentally unfavorable areas, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking Vegans, vegetarians and pregnant women are most at risk of deficiency According to WHO observations, 6 million people suffer from cretinism due to iodine deficiency The diagnosis of “congenital mental retardation” is made to 1 in 4 thousand infants due to its deficiency during intrauterine development of the fetus World Iodine Deficiency Day is designed to prevent these and other consequences of a lack of microelement in the body