Fact 12. The Silent Global Health Issue: Iodine Deficiency Prevalence
A paradox: the next fact is so huge that it often slips off the global health radar. Iodine deficiency isn’t just a sporadic nutritional shortfall; it’s a worldwide health concern. Around one-third of the global population has an inadequate iodine intake, according to the World Health Organization.
When we delve deeper into this prevalence, it’s not concentrated in one particular demographic or geographic location. From developed nations like the US to developing countries in Africa, iodine deficiency is widespread. It’s not just a problem of the impoverished but an issue that affects the rich and poor alike.
An interesting aspect of this prevalence is the environmental connection. Regions with iodine-deficient soils produce iodine-deficient crops. These translate into iodine-deficient diets, leading to iodine-deficient populations. This cycle of deficiency underscores the inextricable link between our environment and health.
Surprisingly, iodine deficiency isn’t just about diet; it can also be a result of the toxicity. Certain toxins, like perchlorate, compete with iodine for absorption in the body. In regions with high environmental toxicity, iodine deficiency can result from these competitive interactions, not just insufficient dietary intake.
Therefore, the prevalence of iodine deficiency is indeed a silent global health issue. It lurks unnoticed in our societies, affecting individuals across demographics, geographies, and lifestyles. (12)
