Developing countries iodine deficiency disorders

This new development of the International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders is part of a new interest in the problem of iodine deficiency. This is indicated by the recent passage of a Resolution by the World Health Assembly in May 1986, calling for the Prevention and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders, pointing to its feasibility within a 5-10 year period. This resolution was sponsored by Australia and co-sponsored by 22 other countries and was carried unanimously. 

Endemic goitre has been eradicated from Australia which is now an iodine replete country. Average iodine intake is in excess of 200 ug/day. While there is no national iodine prophylaxis program there is an abundance of iodine in food due principally to high iodine levels in milk and dairy products. There is a need for Australia to develop and implement a national iodine surveillance program to prevent the return of iodine deficiency disorders. 

Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are among the most important global public health problems with approximately one billion people at risk worldwide(l). Iodine deficiency is not restricted to developing countries and persists on the European Continent(l). The successful elimination of this nutritional deficiency, which may be associated with a wide range of neurologic, developmental, and intellectual impairments, requires an effective monitoring and surveillance program. 

In developed countries, where iodine deficiency is rare because of the use of iodized salt, autoimmune disorders are a leading cause of thyroid disease. 

The disorders induced by iodine deficiency affect at least one billion people. Because of its effects on brain development, iodine deficiency is the single most preventable cause of mental retardation in the world. Therefore, the United Nations and the Heads of State of almost all the world s countries represented at the Summit for Children in 1990 adopted resolutions to eradicate the disorders induced by iodine deficiency (IDD) by the year 2000. 

See also Anemia Iron-Deficiency Anemia. Folic Acid. Iodine Physiology, Dietary Sources and Requirements Deficiency Disorders. Supplementation Role of Micronutrient Supplementation Developed Countries. Vitamin A Biochemistry and Physiological Role. Zinc Physiology Deficiency in Developing Countries, Intervention Studies. 

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