World Iodine Deficiency Day, also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day, is observed on 21 October every year. World Iodine Deficiency Day is celebrated to spread awareness about that essential micronutrient everyone needs for proper thyroid function, brain development and overall growth (iodine). The World Health Organization (WHO) states that Iodine Deficiency Disorders is the world’s most prevalent cause of brain damage, even though it is highly preventable.  iodine is a type of mineral that’s naturally found in the earth’s soil and ocean waters. Many salt water and plant-based foods contain iodine, and this mineral is most-widely available in iodized salt.

For its proper functioning, our body needs a healthy mix of minerals, water, fiber, protein, and vitamins. This group of vitamins and minerals are categorized into micronutrients. Iodine is one of the minerals that ensure a balanced metabolic rate, regulates thyroid hormone production, assists in protein metabolism, and is critical to brain development and bone growth.

Iodine is an essential nutrient. People with access to iodized salt, seafood, and certain vegetables are able to get enough iodine from their diet. In some cases, you may need iodine supplementation to help reduce your risk for iodine deficiency, or as a treatment for certain medical conditions, such as underactive thyroid or goiter. Talk to your doctor about your specific iodine needs.

Iodine Deficiency can result in-

1. High infant mortality: The WHO mentions that iodine is essential for the production of maternal thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate the growth and development of the fetal. If there is a severe deficiency, the very survival of the baby in the womb may be threatened; it could also lead to congenital abnormalities.
2.  Goiter: Globally, around 90 percent of goiter cases are caused by iodine deficiency. Since iodine deficiency decreases the production of essential thyroid hormones, it inflames the thyroid gland and causes the enlargement associated with goiter.
3.  Hypothyroidism: Iodine deficiency is also the most common cause of hypothyroidism. This is because as the iodine levels in the body drop, the production of thyroid hormones is severely impaired, leading to the development of this chronic disease.
4.  Mental retardation: Iodine deficiency causes irreversible brain damage, which in turn can cause irreversible mental retardation, especially in children. Mental retardation can cause serious intellectual disability, social isolation and mental health issues later in life
5. Hearing, Speech impairment:
6. Vision impairment:
7. Spasticity: t is characterized by the tightening, stiffening of the muscles which prevent normal fluid movement thus affecting muscle movement.