Clinical Nutrition

Lesson 8: Iodine deficiency disorders

Introduction

Iodine deficiency is recognized as a major international public health problem and nearly 13% of the world’s population is affected by iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). As per the national IDD survey carried out in 40 districts all over India by NNMB in 2003, the prevalence of total goiter (%) ranges between 7.2 to 39.6%. Higher prevalence is seen in most eastern Indian states and some of the northern states. Nearly 197 districts all over India were found to be endemic for IDD.

Iodine Deficiency Disorders refer to the wide spectrum of effects of iodine deficiency on growth and development.