World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day 2023- Joining forces to eliminate iodine deficiency

World Iodine Deficiency Day is observed every year on October 21 to spread awareness of the important role that iodine plays in the human body. In addition to this, the day also highlights the effect of iodine deficiency on our bodies. Also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, the day is celebrated with awareness programs organized all over the world. Find important details related to World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day 2023 regarding its history, theme, celebration, etc. here from this article.

World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day 2023 Date

Here is the schedule of celebration of World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day:

Event	Date	Day
World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day 2023	October 21, 2023	Saturday
World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day 2024	October 21, 2024	Monday
World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day 2025	October 21, 2025	Tuesday
World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day 2026	October 21, 2026	Wednesday
World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day 2027	October 21, 2027	Thursday

World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day 2023 Overview

Event	World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day 2023
Other names	Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, Iodine Deficiency Day
Date	October 21, 2023
Day	Saturday
Observed by	Worldwide
Purpose of celebration	To spread awareness of the important role that iodine plays in the human body.
Frequency	Annual

World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day Significance

Iodine plays a significant role in making up proteins and helps in the growth of nerves and bones in our body and its deficiency can cause some serious health issues. Goiter, hypothyroidism, etc. are some of the major diseases that are caused in people with iodine deficiency. To make people aware of the consequences iodine deficiency can have on their bodies and how they can prevent this from happening, World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day is celebrated every year on October 21.

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Causes, Signs, Symptoms & Treatment of Iodine Deficiency

Iodine is not produced in the body and needs to be taken externally via food or supplement or else the body might experience iodine deficiency. The thyroid gland in our body controls metabolism and performs other important functions and needs enough amount of iodine for its proper functioning. It is therefore important to maintain the right amount of iodine in the body. The one and only way to do this is to intake iodine-rich food such as dairy products, seafood, eggs, baked potato, and iodized salt.

Deficiency of iodine can lead to two major conditions, namely goiter and hypothyroidism. Goiter is characterized by an enhanced size of your thyroid and the person might also experience choking and difficulty in breathing and swallowing. A person suffering from hypothyroidism can experience weight gain, a weakened immune system, more fatigue, dry skin, thinning hair, etc.

A person suffering from iodine deficiency can be recommended iodine supplements by doctors to treat the condition.

History of World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day

In 1990, world leaders came together at the World Summit for Children to discuss the importance of iodine and how to cope with the increasing cases of iodine deficiencies. Together, they decided to eliminate the problem by 2000 and came up with a bunch of awareness programs. Following this event, countries like India and China began observing National Day for the Prevention of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in their country. With time, more and more countries started joining the cause and it became World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day.

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World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day 2023 Celebration

World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day is celebrated with events to spread awareness of iodine deficiency. International organizations including WHO, UNICEF, etc., and other nongovernmental and private organizations hold these events in different parts of the world. Take this special day as an opportunity to learn more about iodine and its importance by becoming a part of such events. Make sure that your body is not suffering from iodine deficiency by visiting your nearby doctors. Volunteer with organizations working to eliminate iodine deficiencies.

Interesting Facts related to Iodine

Check out below some interesting facts related to iodine:

1. The word iodine is derived from the Greek word iodes, meaning violet.
2. Around 2 billion people in the world suffer from iodine deficiency.
3. An average person should consume 150 mcg of iodine.
4. Pregnant women need more iodine, around 220 mcg.
5. Too much amount of iodine can be toxic and can cause fever, pain, nausea, and in most severe cases coma.
6. Radioactive iodine therapy can help people with thyroid cancer.
7. Iodine is used in pharmaceuticals, photography, and sanitation.
8. It is also used as dyes, animal food supplements, stabilizers, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions