Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day – October 21, 2022, history, significance
Global Iodine Deficiency Prevention Day is observed every October 21. The day raises public awareness of the critical function iodine plays in human health. Iodine is a micronutrient that is required for appropriate thyroid function, as well as for healthy growth and development.
HISTORY OF GLOBAL IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS PREVENTION DAY
Early Chinese medical texts, dating back to roughly 3600 B.C., were the first to document the reduction in goiter size following consumption of seaweed and burnt sea sponge, according to historical records. Even though iodine had not yet been found, these medicines remained successful, and their use persisted throughout the world, as attested in works by Hippocrates, Galen, and Roger in later centuries.
The discovery of iodine happened by chance during the first half of the nineteenth century. While extracting sodium salts for use in the production of gunpowder in 1811, Bernard Courtois, a French chemist, noticed an unusual purple vapor rising from seaweed ash treated with sulphuric acid.
Gaspard Adolphe Chatin, a French chemist, was the first to publish the notion of population iodine deficit as a cause of endemic goiter, which was initially proposed in 1852. This was confirmed by Eugen Baumann, who in 1896 published a paper describing the discovery of iodine within the thyroid gland.
A goal to eliminate iodine deficiency by the year 2000 was set by world leaders during the 1990 World Summit for Children. As a result of this, countries such as India and China established their own National Days for the Prevention of Iodine Deficiency Disorders. Countries from all across the world have also thrown their support behind this initiative and found ways to ensure their citizens get enough iodine.
GLOBAL IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS PREVENTION DAY TIMELINE
1811
Discovery of Iodine
It was while Bernard Courtois of France was extracting sodium salts for the manufacturing of gunpowder, he noticed an unusual purple cloud coming out of seaweed ash heated with sulfuric acid.
1852
Goiter is Linked to Iodine Deficiency
Gaspard Adolphe Chatin, a French chemist, publishes a hypothesis of population iodine deficiency associated with endemic goiter.
1896
Iodine’s Connection to Goiter
Eugen Baumann confirms the discovery of iodine within the thyroid gland.
1924
Iodized Salt
Researchers realize that iodized salt is key to people consuming iodine and begin the commercialization of iodized salt.
1980s
WHO Against Iodine Deficiency
The World Health Organization takes steps to reduce the deficiency of iodine around the world.
1993
Intervention Technique
The adoption of the use of universal salt iodization as a major intervention technique for controlling Iodine Deficiency Disorders.
HOW TO OBSERVE GLOBAL IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS PREVENTION DAY
Learn more about iodine
Iodine is important for everyone. On this day, you can take time out to learn more about its importance and educate everyone about it.
Get your thyroid checked
Book an appointment to check your thyroid levels. This is especially important if you are experiencing any symptoms related to low iodine levels.
Donate
If you can, donate to some of the organizations fighting against iodine deficiency. You can also encourage other people to do so via social media.
5 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT IODINE
Number of people affected
One-third of the world’s population suffers from an iodine shortage, with over two billion individuals globally suffering from this insufficiency.
Sources of iodine
There are several sources of iodine in fish, including cod and tuna; shrimp and seaweed; and dairy products.
Iodized salt
Iodized salt is one of the best sources of incorporating iodine into your diet.
Iodine intake
Iodine intake for adults should be 150 mcg, while for pregnant women it should be 220 mcg.
Affected regions
Iodine insufficiency is more prevalent in the Western Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Africa than everywhere else in the world.
WHY GLOBAL IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS PREVENTION DAY IS IMPORTANT
It prevents iodine—related complications in children
It can begin even before a child is born, putting children’s mental and physical health at risk, and in some cases, their lives. Iodine shortage during pregnancy can lead to stillbirths, spontaneous abortions, and congenital abnormalities including cretinism, some of which are extremely dangerous.
It keeps people informed
Lack of iodine can cause several health problems such as goiter; visual, auditory, and phonological impairments; Hypothyroidism; neuromuscular impairment; intrauterine death, and so on. Adequate knowledge of the importance and impact of iodine can go a long way in preventing complications related to lack of iodine.
Benefits of iodine
It is important to note that thyroid hormones affect every cell in the human body, as well as the development of cells. Other functions of thyroid hormones include regulating bone growth, aiding in brain development, and increasing metabolic rate.
