Awareness on iodine deficiency disorders

Kohima, September 27 (DIPR): Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB) in collaboration with the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare conducted an awareness programme on iodine deficiency disorders at Government Middle School L. Khel, Kohima on September 22. A total of 250 students along with the teachers-in-charge attended the programme.  

Khovetolü Vese, Lab Assistant (NIDDCP) explained the facts of iodine and its deficiency related diseases. She informed that iodine is a micro-nutrient which is essential to human life, and that some of the most vital functions of the human body depend on regular supply of iodine. She further said that iodine is an element needed for the production of thyroid glands, and deficiency of iodine in thyroid gland enlarges the thyroid and causes a mass in the neck known as goiter.  

Vese further informed that iodine is essential for the normal growth of the body and functioning of the brain. More importantly, without enough iodine a newborn’s brain and body can become permanently retarded and stunted and a pregnant woman who is deficient in iodine is likely to produce an abnormal child. An average daily requirement of iodine intake in an adult is about 150 micrograms.