Iodine is one of the most important micronutrients for development, along with vitamin A and iron. Iodine deficiency is the leading worldwide cause of preventable mental retardation. During development of the fetal brain and early childhood, 50,000 new brain cells are produced every second and iodine deficiency can result in diminished branching and connections between the 100 billion brain cells, lowering IQ. Ensuring adequate iodine intake during pregnancy and early childhood is vital to prevent permanent brain damage and mental retardation caused by iodine deficiency during critical periods of development.

1. The Importance of Iodine
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WHY ?

2. Iodine is one of the
“big three”
micronutrients,
deficiencies in
which are a major
source of ill health
in developing
countries (the other
two are vitamin A
and iron). Iodine
deficiency, in
particular, is the
leading cause of
preventable mental
retardation in the
world.

3. Importance of iodine in brain
development
• 50,000 brain cells
produced/second in
developing fetal brain
• 100 billion brain cells in
adult
• One million billion
connections between
these brain cells:
Determine IQ
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4. Importance of iodine in brain
development
• 100 billion brain cells in
adult human
• Comparable to the
number of stars in the
sky
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5. Importance of iodine in brain development
• Diminished brain cell branching due to iodine deficiency
• Diminished branching  Less connections  Lower IQ
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Iodine sufficient brain Iodine deficient brain

6. Importance of iodine in brain development
90 % of human brain development occurs between
3rd month of pregnancy and 3rd year of life (Critical period)
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7. Importance of iodine in brain development
• Deficiency of iodine during
critical period of development,
results in permanent brain
damage
• Brain damage can be prevented
by correcting iodine deficiency
before and during pregnancy
• Its vital that all expectant and
lactating mothers get their daily
requirement of iodine
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8. Akibat kekurangan Iodium
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9. Importance of iodine in brain
development
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Iodine deficiency in foetal life and early
childhood remains single most important and
preventable cause of mental retardation globally