From the Editor

Iodine is a chemical element. It is very essential and required for formation of thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones are responsible for physical and mental development of human beings. Iodine is available in good

quantity in seafood, dairy products and drinking water in amounts that vary by the iodine content of local soil and in iodized salt.

Iodine Deficiency is the cover story this week. Now a days iodine deficiency is rare, because in most countries, iodine (as iodide) is added to

commercial table salt. When iodine is deficient, the thyroid gland enlarges, forming a goitre, as it attempts to capture more iodine for the production of thyroid hormones, iodine deficiency

causes the same symptoms as an under active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

In adults such symptoms include puffy skin, a hoarse voice, impaired mental function, dry and scaly skin, sparse and coarse hair and weight gain. Iodised salt is essential to prevent learning

disabilities and delayed development in children.

If a pregnant women has iodine deficiency, the growth and brain development of the foetus may be abnormal. Goitre, a swelling of the neck is one sign of a shortage of iodine in the diet. A pregnant women with goitre is at high risk of miscarriage, stillbirths or of giving birth to a child with brain damage.

The diagnosis of iodine deficiency is based on blood tests indicating low levels of iodine and thyroid hormones or a high level of thyroid

stimulating hormone. Treatment consists of iodine supplements.

From the Editor

Iodine is a chemical element. It is very essential and required for formation of thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones are responsible for physical and mental development of human beings. Iodine is available in good quantity in seafood, dairy products and drinking water in amounts that vary by the iodine content of local soil and in iodized salt. Iodine Deficiency is the cover story this week. Now a days iodine deficiency is rare, because in most countries, iodine (as iodide) is added to commercial table salt. When iodine is deficient, the thyroid gland enlarges, forming a goitre, as it attempts to capture more iodine for the production of thyroid hormones, iodine deficiency causes the same symptoms as an under active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). In adults such symptoms include puffy skin, a hoarse voice, impaired mental function, dry and scaly skin, sparse and coarse hair and weight gain. Iodised salt is essential to prevent learning disabilities and delayed development in children. If a pregnant women has iodine deficiency, the growth and brain development of the foetus may be abnormal. Goitre, a swelling of the neck is one sign of a shortage of iodine in the diet. A pregnant women with goitre is at high risk of miscarriage, stillbirths or of giving birth to a child with brain damage. The diagnosis of iodine deficiency is based on blood tests indicating low levels of iodine and thyroid hormones or a high level of thyroid stimulating hormone. Treatment consists of iodine supplements.