Nutrition Awareness, Iodine Deficiency Disorders and Use of Iodated Salts

Iodine is an essential nutrient, which helps the body to produce thyroxine - the hormone that regulates normal growth and development. Iodine is vitally needed during childhood, adolescent and pregnancy. The average daily requirement of an adult is 150 micro grams. Iodine is present in its natural state in the soil and in water. But when the soil of any area lacks iodine the crops too are deficient in this essential nutrient, consequently those people who live on iodine deficient land and eat its crops regularly, do not get their daily requirement of this essential element.