Iodine Deficiency Disorders among School-Aged Children with Special Reference to West Bengal, India.

The mineral iodine is required by our body to make thyroid hormones which, in turn, control the body's metabolism and other important functions like bone and brain development in infants. Deficiency in iodine leads to a wide range of health issues in individuals collectively known as Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) which become more prevalent when the daily requirements are not met properly. Due to its geographical location in an intense goiter belt, the Indian population is prone to IDDs. According to World Health Organization (WHO), school-aged children, adolescents and pregnant mothers are at a high risk of the adverse effects of IDDs. The present paper focuses on the prevalence of TGR (total goiter rate) and UIE (urinary iodine excretion) level and household consumption of iodine salt among school-aged children in the world and in India with special reference to West Bengal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]