World Iodine Deficiency Day is celebrated every year on October 21 across the world to spread awareness about the main causes of iodine deficiency. The main aim of this international day is to inform common people about the importance of iodine in the body.

Iodine is an important mineral that helps in making thyroid hormones in the human body. These hormones play a significant role in many bodily functions such as body temperature, muscle contractions, heart rate, metabolism, and many more. Thyroid hormones are also used in controlling or maintaining the rate at which dying cells get replaced. If the body does not get sufficient then all these bodily functions are affected.

There are several harmful effects of iodine deficiency are

1. Hair loss
2. Swelling in the neck
3. Irregular periods
4. Unexpected increase in weight
5. Dry skin
6. Difficulty in learning
7. Muscle weakness and fatigue

If any pregnant woman is suffering from iodine deficiency it may result in stillbirth. It also leads to speech impairment, deafness, and mental retardation in children. As per the latest statistics, there is about one-third of the world’s population is suffering from iodine deficiency.

To enhance the level of iodine in the body, eating certain foods can increase the level of iodine level including taking fish such as shrimp and seaweed, cod and tuna containing a high level of iodine. Many dairy products including cheese, yogurt, and milk are good sources of iodine. Iodized salt is one of the best source of iodine. The main purpose of this international day is to spread awareness about the benefits of iodine among common people across the world.