DOH amplifies awareness on iodine deficiency
By Mariesh F. CeledeΓ±a
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In the 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) of the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), only 1 in 3 Filipino households, or 33.2 percent is adequately consuming iodized salt.
During the Health Literacy Seminar for Media Practitioners spearheaded by the Department of Health (DOH), held in General Luna, Surigao del Norte, Dr. Teofilo San Luis, national coordinator for Iodine Global Network, shared the low iodine consumption among Filipino households.
“Iodine is an essential micronutrient needed by the body for the production of thyroid hormones that is important in regulating metabolism, growth, development, and brain function,” he said. “The deficiency may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and affect mental health. It may also lead to hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and goiter.”
He added that iodine sufficiency is vital to pregnant women for the development of the fetus.
“From the 1st month of the baby’s development inside the womb, there is a need for iodine sufficiency on the mother to prevent congenital disease such as hypothyroidism,” he shared.
To aid and address iodine deficiency, the government created Republic Act 8172, also known as Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide or the ASIN Law, ensuring that all salt producers and manufacturers iodize their products.
He encouraged everyone to use iodized salt to avoid iodine deficiency. Another way to prevent iodine deficiency is the consumption of iodine-rich foods, such as fish, shellfish, and other seafood.
Dr. San Luis also discussed the government’s efforts through partnerships with non-government organizations, enhancing the delivery of health care services for thyroid cases in vulnerable areas such as Thyromobile.
He said, “Thyromobile started in 1993 in Germany. Now, the Philippines has its own Thyromobile, strengthening education and awareness campaigns on thyroid prevention, conditions and treatment through capacity building, dissemination of information, education and communication materials, diagnostics and therapeutics and referral to hospitals for further examination and treatment.”
Moreover, DOST-FNRI also has its own initiative called Tubig-Talino, a blend of purified or ordinary potable water and Water Plus I2, a mix of water and iodine. This will also help address iodine deficiency. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
