Role of Glucosinolates in the Etiology of Iodine Deficiency Disorders

Abstract

Iodine is a trace element required for normal physical growth and mental development. It is one of the major micronutrient deficiencies, which causes hidden hunger. Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are easily preventable because the dally requirement of iodine is only 150 μg. Yet IDD continues to be a significant public health problem in 118 countries worldwide affecting 29 percent world's population. In India, out of 457 districts in the country, 275 have been surveyed for IDD and 235 have been found endemic. In the Tarai region of northern India, which falls in the endemic goitre belt, an overall IDD prevalence of 34 to 50 per cent has been found in different age groups.