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 of salt iodisation in 1993 under the recommendation from ICCIDD IDD prevalence has been reduced by billions but iodine deficiencies still exist in almost every country. Deficiency can be related to food choice, geography and the availability of iodised salt. Iodine may induce hyperthyroidism; this and many other factors must be taken into consideration during iodine fortification.…