Port Blair, Oct 21: Community Food and Nutrition Extension Unit (CFNEU), Port Blair organised a workshop at Government Middle School Brichgunj, today to observe World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day. Around 50 students along with teachers participated in the workshop.
Addressing the students, Demonstration Officer CFNEU, Shri Anil Kumar Dhiman said that iodine is as an important micronutrient essential for the physical and mental growth of human body. “Its deficiency affects the thyroid gland and has detrimental consequences. Iodine deficiency may lead to diseases/impairment like goitre, mental weakness, deafness, dumbness, squint etc. Iodine deficiency in pregnant women may cause miscarriage or stillborn baby” he added. He impressed upon the intake of iodised salt to combat the deficiency of Iodine and to avoid Iodine Deficiency Disorder.
Shri Dhiman also informed the gathering about the importance of intake of green leafy vegetables and seasonal fruits to combat deficiencies of micronutrients like iron, vitamins etc. “Intake of balance diet provides human body with adequate amount of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals essential for proper physical and mental growth of human body”, he emphasised. A quiz competition was also organised for the students on the occasion. Demonstration to prepare nutritious Laddo was also conducted during the workshop. Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day or World Iodine Deficiency Day is observed every year on 21st October.
