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Subject:
From:
James Akre <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 9 Oct 1995 10:00:10 CET
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text/plain
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          The biological importance of iodine is due to the fact that
          it is essential for thyroid hormone production; the tragedy
          of its deficiency lies in the easily preventable, but
          largely irreversible, brain damage that occurs during fetal
          growth and infant development. Endemic goitre is the most
          visible manifestation of environmental iodine deficiency;
          other, more severe, effects included retarded fetal brain
          development, spontaneous abortion, stillbirths and infant
          deaths. A deficiency of iodine later in infancy and
          childhood causes mental retardation, delayed motor
          development, growth failure and stunting, lethargy,
          neuromuscular disorders (including squint and paralysis),
          and speech and hearing defects. In 1993 at least 1572
          million people worldwide were at risk of iodine deficiency
          disorders (IDD), i.e. living in areas with goitre rates
          above 5%. At least 655 million of this number are affected
          by goitre, while an estimated 43 million people are affected
          by some degree of IDD-related brain damage. To prevent IDD,
          WHO recommends universal salt iodization. Iodized oil is the
          preferred interim measure in areas of moderate or severe
          deficiency that will not soon be covered by iodized salt.
          IDD is known to be a significant public health problem in
          118 countries. There has been progress recently. While only
          46 had national salt-iodization programmes in 1990, their
          number has increased in 1995 to 83.

          Jim Akre, Nutrition unit, WHO, Geneva

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