Iodine deficiency disorder in Nepal

Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) is a major challenge to the health and development of the people in the developing world. In addition to causing goiter, dwarfism and other anomalies, it may result in stillbirth and miscarriage, brain damage and intellectual impairment.

Iodine is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones that in turn are required for the regulation of cell metabolism through the life cycle.

Thyroid hormones ensure normal growth, especially of the brain, which occurs from fetal life to the end of the third post natal year.

Causes

• Lack of iodine in food

• Iodine –deficient soil resulting in low levels of iodine in locally grown foods and water supplies ause iodine deficiency disorder.

Consequences

• Cretinism

• Goiter

• Impaired cognitive function

• Increased prenatal morbidity and mortality

• Reduced productivity

• Resulting in a lower metabolic rate, growth retardation

• Irreversible mental retardation

• increased school dropout rates

•Delayed socioeconomic development.

Iodized Deficiency Disorders (IDD) in Nepal

Source: National survey and impact study for iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and availability of iodized salt in Nepal (2007).

In Nepal, % of household level of using adequately iodised salt is increasing day by day .In 1988 consumption rate is 55.2% , in 2005 it became 57.7 % , finally in 2007 it became 77 % in Nepal. This makes also increase in urinary iodine excretion in µg/l (median value) which became 202 in 2007 AD.