World Iodine Deficiency Day observed at DMCH

Ludhiana: Consumption of adequate quantity of Iodine is very much essential for overall wellbeing, advises Dr Parminder Singh, Professor & Head of Endocrinology, DMCH. He shared his these remarks on World Iodine Deficiency Day being observed globally every year on 21st October.

Faculty from Department of Endocrinology, DMCH conducted online lectures to generate awareness among public about proper intake of Iodine for their better health.

According to Dr Parminder Singh, Professor & Head of Endocrinology (DMCH), Iodine is one of the essential dietary mineral that is required in the human body for normal thyroid function, growth, and development. If a person suffers from Iodine deficiency, it can lead to a number of health conditions that can even be fatal. The body does not make iodine, but it is an essential part of your diet. A certain amount of iodine is always required in the human body in order to create a vital chemical known as thyroid hormone, informs Dr Parminder Singh.

Professor of Endocrinology-Dr Naveen Mittal says that Iodine is not made in our body; we get our share through the food and water we ingest. The proper functioning of thyroid hormones affect all the cells in the human body, they are also important for the proper development of cells. These hormones also play a crucial role in increasing the metabolic rate of the body, regulate the growth of long bones and helps in the development of the brain.

In country like India, the entire population is prone to Iodine deficiency because the soil in our part of the world is iodine deficient; especially in the North and North Eastern States.

Dr Surabh Arora, Assistant Professor in Department of Endocrinology, DMCH says one of the main sources of Iodine for us Indians is obviously the salt. Apart from salt, milk and yolks of egg are another source of iodine, great for children as they provide another essential “brain nutrient” for them too. Don’t also ignore the intake of vegetables and fruits like Sweet potato, onion, spinach, banana, and cantaloupe contain iodine.