State iodine intake low, prone to iodine deficiency ailments: Dr. L.A. Singh

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 27

Regional director of health and family welfare services, Dr. L.A. Singh today said that every Indian consumes only 5 microgram of iodine per day against the desired amount of 100-150 microgram per day. He said this is unfortunate as iodine is very important to have a healthy life.

He gave this presentation in the observation of Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day at IMA, Lamphelpat. The day was supposed to be celebrated on October 21, but due to the festive season in the state, it was held today.

The observation was organised by National Health Mission, Manipur with a message “Daily consumption of iodised salt is the solution to the problems of iodine deficiency disorders”.

Director of Health and Family welfare Services, SMD (NHM), Dr. K. Rajo Singh attended the function as chief guest. He said that the state is iodine deficient but is not so visible.

Iodine deficiency in pregnant women can lead to their children to be born with disabilities, low IQ, still births and so on, he said.

Once affected, it is irreversible and can be prevented by only regular consumption of iodised salt, he added.

He said even though people consume iodised salt, instances of iodine deficiency are evident in the state in the prevalence of goitre, poor growth, and cretinism. This may be because of the improper storage system, underuse of iodised salt, or maybe the rate of iodine in salt is not up to the recommended limit, he said.

Additional director of medical directorate, Dr. Kh. Sasheekumar, who attended as guest of honour said that cabbage family vegetables like mustard, cauliflower, broccoli and other local foods such as bamboo shoot (soibum) and cassava (umangara) are anti-iodine, so these foods should be avoided.

He said that goitre, which is one of the iodine deficiency diseases, is highly prevalent in the state. China adopts the policy of putting iodine in water but India use it in salt. It will be good if India also follows the Chinese style using iodine in water, he pointed out.