CEBU, Philippines — The public is urged to use iodized salt to prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD).
Dr. Parolita Mission, regional nutrition program coordinator of the National Nutrition Council-7, stressed the importance of using salt with sufficient iodine content to combat health disorders, including thyroid problems.
"We should all work together to end this silent but tremendous problem and ensure that all households are using adequately iodized salt,” she said.
Mission, who also sits as co-chairperson of the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force 7 (RBATF 7), said iodized salt with a seal bearing the words “Saktong Iodine sa Asin” should be only consumed to make sure it contains the required 15 ppm iodine.
The RBATF-7, is a sub-committee of the Regional Nutrition Committee and is composed of government and non-government agencies and organizations, is mandated to ensure the availability of iodized salt produced and distributed in the region, promote good nutrition through the use of quality iodized salt, and monitor the implementation of Republic Act 8172.
The call was made in time for the 24th commemoration of the implementation of RA 8172 (An Act Promoting Salt Iodization Nationwide and for Related Purposes) or ASIN Law.
Enacted in 1995, the ASIN Law seeks to “contribute to the elimination of micronutrient malnutrition in the country, particularly iodine deficiency disorders, through the cost-effective preventive measure of salt iodization.”
The law promotes the use of iodized salt and requires all salt manufacturers to iodize the salts they produce and distribute.
In a press release, NNC-7 said that IDD represents a global health threat to individuals and society.
"Despite of the decreasing trend of the past 24 years, the public needs a lot of reminding as there are still number of people suffering from IDD. The problem of IDD is still present and its devastating effects are significant," the statement read.
Iodine plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the thyroid and in the growth and development of the brain.
Iodine deficiency is a leading cause of preventable brain damage and reduced IQ among children worldwide.
IDD during pregnancy may result in stillbirth, miscarriage, and congenital abnormalities such as cretinism.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that children born to iodine-deficient mothers may have difficulties in school and can suffer from physical and mental retardation manifesting in goiter, speech defects, and deafness. Some of these children may appear normal, but may have actually lost 10-15 IQ points. (FREEMAN)