Where in Thailand does iodine deficiency persist? And why?
observational studies in China confirmed an average IQ loss of approximately 12 points in children born in moderate to severe iodine deficient areas and that this loss can be prevented by appropriate iodised salt intervention programs.If you look at data published in 2001 you see Thailand appears to have been relatively successful in its efforts to provide iodine to the population. A 2003 WHO report singled out Thailand and Bhutan as model countries that had "virtually eliminated" iodine deficiency.
- Qian et al., 2005*
But more recent data shows Thailand lagging behind just about every other ASEAN country in the idolization of salt.
What happened? JOTMAN.COM investigates.
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*Qian M, Wang D, Watkins W E, et al. The effects of iodine on intelligence in children: a meta-analysis of studies conducted in China. Asia Pacific J Clin Nutrition 14:32-42 (2005).
2 comments:
I think I work with a few people lacking in iodine
but seriously even in well developed countries you find people with defiances because of the rubbish food they eat
Actually there is a lack of iodine in the diets of people in Australians and NZ -- which have finally decided to take action -- also other developed countries.
But you make another good point: a lot of Thais eat healthier than many Westerners, so it's a shame that a lack of one element is detrimental -- when there's so much good to say about the traditional Thai diet. When the Thai diet includes sufficient seafood to get the iodine, it's probably close to ideal.
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