Iodine deficiency is the single most cause of mental retardation worldwide and Uttarakhand State is a known endemic region to iodine deficiency. Findings of a study conducted in 2016 and published in Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism substantiated that there is a high prevalence of Iodine Deficiency amongst pregnant mothers and neonates of the state. There is an urgent need to strengthen the IDD control program for prevention of ID in the State and also a need to review the implementation of the iodized salt program, says the study.
More awareness and optimum production of iodised salt can help curb this problem say the scientists.
Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism states that in a study conducted in three districts of the State of school age children, total goiter rate was 13.2% in Udham Singh Nagar, 15.9% in Nainital and 16.8% in Pauri Garhwal. These Iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) can be prevented by ensuring an adequate intake of iodine.
To maintain the normal concentration of body iodine (10– 20 mg of iodine, of which 70–80% is in the thyroid), humans require an outer source that may be provided in any of several chemical forms, iodised salt being a ready source.
Speaking to The Pioneer, manager customer relations at Board of Radiation and isotope technology, Dr. Yojana Singh said, “We need this iodine because our thyroid gland requires it for making thyroxine and triodothyronine, two key hormones for metabolic function. Its deficiency causes hypothyroid and overactive thyroid causes hyperthyroidism in body.
Out of the 50 ci of iodine (I-131) needed by the country per week for treatment of iodine related disorders and cancers, BRIT is producing 40 ci and the centre aims to increase its capacity and meet the demands of the country under India 2020 mission.” Ci is the unit of measurement of radioactivity and I-131 is radioisotope of iodine potentially used in the treatment of many benign and malignant disorders.
Where natural levels of iodine in the soil are low and the iodine is not taken up by vegetables, iodine added to salt provides the small but essential amount of iodine needed by us, humans.
A survey conducted by National Family Health Survey (NFHS) almost a decade ago revealed that only 46% households were using iodized salt with an iodine content of 15 ppm or more. More awareness needs to be spread in the remote areas of Uttarakhand, for optimising the use of iodine in diet feel the medical practitioners.
"I always advise people to keep changing their salt every three months like iodised salt for few months, then black salt or rock salt to fulfill the body needs", says Dr. Aruna Kulkarni of a mission hospital.
However even the suppliers need to gear up their manufacturing. Substantial progress has been made in the country in the production of Iodised salt from 3 lakh metric tonnes in 1983 to 40 akh metric tonnes in 1997, still the demand is not completely met.
“By 2020 we hope to produce the required iodine in the country,” added Dr. Yojana Singh of BRIT.