Department of Physiology, Berhampore Girls' College, P.O. Berhampore, Dist.,
Murshidabad, West Bengal – 742 101
,IN
Abstract
Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for structural development and optimal functional activity of the thyroid gland and central nervous system. Iodine deficiency has been shown to be associated with endemic cretinism, endemic goitre and subcretinous mental subnormalities. Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) refers to a complex clinical and subclinical disorders caused due to the lack of adequate dietary intake. Globally, 2.2 bilion people live in areas with iodine deficiency and risk its complications, while in India, 167 million people are at risk of IDD, 54.4 million people have goitre and 8.8 million people have IDD related mental/motor handicaps.