Govt to promote use of iodised salt

Trichy: A sample survey conducted by the district food safety department in government schools has revealed that more than 10% of the students’ households use only non-iodised salt. The survey, which was carried out for the past couple of weeks, was conducted as a part of Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, which is observed on October 21 every year. Food safety department officials said that the areas where the usage of non-iodised salt was more prevalent have been identified and campaigns in those localities would be held in the near future.

A total of 17 food safety officers (FSO) were deputed to carry out the survey in as many government schools from various parts of the district selected on a random basis. A total of 1,869 school children were surveyed in the programme and the salt samples which they had brought from their homes were tested by the FSOs.

Iodine is said to be an essential micronutrient required every day in minute quantities for normal human growth and mental development. The ideal amount of iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which controls one’s metabolism and other important body functions. Goitre (swelling of the neck due to enlargement of thyroid gland), hypothyroidism and intellectual disabilities are some of the most common health issues caused due to iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). According to the health department, school children living in iodine deficient regions lose 13 IQ points compared to the school children living in iodine sufficient regions.

The food safety department said that Trichy was one of the districts in the country identified to conduct the recent survey as a part of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme. "The FSOs had collected samples from students randomly and conducted the tests. The students were given awareness on IDD," designated officer (DO) for Trichy district food safety department Dr R Chitra told TOI.

Doctors said that though IDD is very rare in Trichy, it still is prevalent among a few in the low socioeconomic status. Paediatricians at the District Early Intervention Centre said they still treat at least two children, with symptoms of IDD,every month. "Though the number is less, goitre is the most common form of iodine deficiency in the district," paediatrician at DEIC Dr R Kumaraguru said.

State president of Indian Academy of Paediatrics Dr Sunil Srinivasan said that compared to those living nearby the seaside, others living in the interior regions – and especially the hilly and mountain regions – have more risk of suffering IDD. "Iodised table salt is the commonest method used to provide more iodine to a person. Hence if taken in the right amount, IDD can be easily prevented," he added.

Associate professor in the department of nutrition and dietetics at Seethalakshmi Ramasami College Chellam Murugendar said iodine must be supplemented for pregnant mothers, recently-married women and adolescent girls.