A pinch a day8230;

Iodine deficiency is so easy to prevent that it is a crime to let even a single child be born mentally handicapped due to a lack of it. A micronutrient, salt is an essential element, required for our physical and mental well-being. The human body needs around 150 micrograms of it every day which works out to less than a teaspoon 5 gms in a life-span of 70 years. But because the body cannot store it for long periods, tiny amounts need to be consumed regularly.

The most common effect of iodine deficiency is goitre,8217; a swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck. Research shows that iodine deficiency is the world8217;s single most significant cause of preventable brain damage and mental retardation. Neonatal hypotheyroidism resulting from inadequate consumption of iodine by pregnant mothers is the most important cause of mental retardation. Furthermore, mothers living in iodine deficient areas are more likely to end up with abortions and still-births.

Generally, iodine deficient children suffer from tardy concentration, impaired muscular coordination and sluggishness leading to poor school performance. The situation becomes really tragic when the only child of a family turns out to be mentally retarded simply because the mother remained deprived of much needed iodine during pregnancy.

Regular consumption of iodised salt has proved to be an effective tool in the prevention and control of iodine-related disorders. The Indian government has also introduced fortified salt in the country.