Iodized salt can reduce Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid gland is located in the throat region, in front of trachea and below the lynx. Its principal hormones are thyroxin and calcitonin. For the synthesis of thyroid hormones, iodine is an essential raw material. Ingested iodine is converted to iodine (suitable form) and absorbed. Small amounts of iodine are excreted in the bile and appear in feces, but 98% of the absorbed iodine is taken up by thyroid or excreted in the urine. The thyroid iodide uptake is about 75ugm / day at normal rate of hormone synthesis and secretion in man. The normal plasma iodide level is about 0.3ugm / 100ml. in the kidneys approximately 70 percent of the filtered iodide is reabsorbed, so that the loss from the body by this rate at normal plasma levels is small. To replace this and other small losses from the body, a minimum daily intake of approximately 100- 150ugm is required.
1. Disordered of Thyroid Gland: A child who suffers from under activity of the thyroid gland, known as hypothyroidism, has a very low metabolic rate. If untreated, his physical & mental growth is retorted and they may become a cretin dwarf. Sometimes an adult becomes hypothyroid. His slow, lethargic behavior correlates with a reduction in the metabolic rate. In adults the condition is termed as Myxedema. Hypothyroidism is easily treated with thyroid pills, usually made from beef thyroid extracts.
Over activity of the thyroid gland, hyperthyroidism, results in a super energetic, often irritable individual. Formerly treated by removing part of the thyroid gland, the condition can now be controlled with appropriate drugs.
An abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland is termed as Goiter, often a result of iodine deficiency. Without iodine the thyroid cannot synthesize thyroxin, and the level of this hormone in the blood is reduced. In compensation, the pituitary gland continues to secrete TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone, the thyroid gland enlarges, often to monstrous size, though it still cannot manufacture thyroxin. Thanks to iodized salt which has reduced the number of Goiter patients.