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Iodine Deficiency in Britain

by Dr. Trupti Shirole on Apr 14 2011 7:21 PM

Scottish women are at an increased risk of iodine deficiency which can risk the mental development of their future generations.

 Iodine Deficiency in Britain
Scottish women are at an increased risk of iodine deficiency which can risk the mental development of their future generations. Researchers have found that more than 2/3rd school girls are deficient in iodine while 50-60% young women are iodine deficient. For this purpose 700 school girls were studied and it was found that the average amount of iodine was 80 mcg per liter while iodine below 100 mcg is described as deficient by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Iodine is crucial for the brain development of the fetus in the womb and it is the world's leading cause of treatable mental impairment. Even a small amount of deficiency can have severe effects on a child's mental development. 1-cup of milk provides more than half of the daily iodine requirement and schoolgirls with the lowest iodine levels were the ones with the lowest milk intake.

Scientists have suggested compulsion of fortification of common salt with iodine. They have also recommended that pregnant women should take an iodine supplement.

Source-Medindia


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