World Iodine Deficiency Day - 21 October
World Iodine Deficiency Day (WIDD) is dedicated to raising awareness of the need for sufficient iodine content in the diet to prevent iodide deficiency disorders (IDD) such as goiter, hypothyroidism, and cretinism, while iodide intake among pregnant women is crucial to avoid the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage. Iodine, which is essential for the formation in the thyroid gland of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), is obtained from foods rich in iodide, including iodized salt, sea fish, eggs, milk, and whole grains.
Today, vast regions of the world are still iodine deficient, leading to severe IDD. Moreover, due to increasing intake of plant-based products, mainly due to concerns about industrialized farming and the Western diet, several European countries show diminishing iodide intake.
The ETA thus underlines the importance of educating people about iodide and thyroid health, particularly those who are more vulnerable, as neonates, children, and the elderly. Thus, together with the European Society of Endocrinology and European Society of Pediatric Endocrinology, we urge people everywhere to protect their thyroid gland by following an iodide-sufficient diet, while offering guidance to those consumers who frequently prefer plant-based foods, on incorporating appropriate iodide supplementation in their diet.
Leonidas Duntas
On behalf of the PHB