What are the consequences of iodine deficiency disorders?
As discussed earlier under signs and symptoms, the consequences of IDD include: mental retardation, other defects in the development of the nervous system, goitre, physical sluggishness, growth retardation, reproductive failure, increased childhood mortality and lowered economic productivity, Cretinism is the result of iodine deficiency during pregnancy, which adversely affects foetal thyroid function. Neurological cretinism is characterized by poor cognitive ability, deaf mutism, speech defects, and proximal neuromotor rigidity. It is much more prevalent than inyxoedematous cretinism which includes hypothyroidism with dwarfism. Maternal iodine deficiency during pregnancy is associated with a higher incidence of stillbirths, abortions and congenital abnormalities. Iodine deficiency has been called the world's major cause of preventable mental retardation.