Combating iodine deficiency disorders to achieve millennium development goal 4 in India: reduction in infant mortality rate.
In severe iodine deficient areas, iodine deficiency has been documented to be an important etiological factor leading to poor fetal growth and development. Iodine is essential for physical growth and development of the central nervous system of the fetus. Iodine deficiency in pregnant mothers leads to increased incidence of infertility and abortions, perinatal mortality and infant child mortality. The clinical iodine supplementation trials have documented adverse health consequences due to iodine deficiency. Evidence from observational studies concludes that prevention of iodine deficiency can lead to reduction in infant mortality rate and facilitate to achieve millennium development goal-4.
Department of Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India. umeshkapil@gmail.com
Umesh
U
Kapil
Neha
N
Sareen
D003409:Congenital Hypothyroidism / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007455:Iodine / Q000172:deficiency*; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy
D007455:Iodine