DOH stresses importance of iodine against goiter

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Health and the National Nutrition Council stressed the importance of iodine in our daily diet in celebration of the Goiter Awareness Week every 4th week of January.

With this year’s theme, “Goiter Sugpuin, Isip Patalinuhin, Iodized Salt Gamitin,” NNC is reminding the public of the importance and benefits of iodine, which is an essential micronutrient that promotes good thyroid health.

NNC- 7 regional nutrition program coordinator Dr. Parolita A. Mission said that thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones which significantly assist in repairing tissues, regulating metabolism, promoting proper bone and brain development.

Mission emphasized that during pregnancy, women need more iodine, which is linked to brain development in fetuses. This neurological benefit, she said, may also extend to healthy brain function during childhood.

Iodine is a trace mineral commonly found in many saltwater and plant food, but it is widely available in iodized salt.

In line with the celebration, DOH in collaboration with different societies is inviting the public on the Goiter Awareness Week launching on January 25 (12 nn-1:00 pm) at DOH Facebook Page and on January 26  forum on “Leeg ay Pag-usapan, Goiter Ay Lunasan” (10:00a.m-11:20 a.m) via Zoom. — LPM (FREEMAN)