Iodine Deficiency

Abstract

Iodine deficiency is one of the major global public health concerns, which is even placed as one of the indicators under global reference list of World Health Organization (WHO) for school age children. Iodine is a vital trace element present in thyroid hormones. It works as a catalyst for many body processes. Its deficiency has multiple adverse health effects as well as abnormalities which are considered as the vital causes of preventable cognitive impairment among children. Though iodine is available amply in nature, still, lots of people in many parts of the world suffer from iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) for which WHO has recommended universal salt iodization policy for the countries to prevent iodine deficiency.