Iodine-enriched eggs wipe out illness in Udon Thani babies

[helvella]

An interesting exercise in iodine supplementation (in an area with a known deficiency).

Most particularly, in my view, getting away from iodised salt (or oil) might be a less problematic approach. Mind, I do wonder how well the hens tolerate the iodine-rich feed? Maybe they too are healthier?

Feel I have to say yet again, whilst iodine is very important, simply shovelling iodine down our throats (as kelp or whatever) might not be advisable.

Iodine-enriched eggs wipe out illness in Udon Thani babies

THANAPAT KITJAKOSOL

THE NATION January 6, 2014 1:00 am

THE NUMBER of children with cretinism (thyroid-hormone deficiency resulting in mental stunting) in an Udon Thani tambon has been reduced to zero after every woman was given free iodine-enriched eggs through a pilot project organised by the National Health Security Office (NHSO).

Children who already had the condition have seen improvements in their intelligence levels and muscle strength after receiving the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with the office's assistance.

Five years ago, it was discovered that 20 children in the tambon had been born with the condition due to the lack of iodine-relevant foods. The NHSO responded with its pilot programme, together with help from the TSH provision project. The condition was eradicated and the general condition of the children improved, said Amnuay Intharathirat, head of Na Phoo Tambon Administrative Organisation in Udon Thani's Phen district.

Under a joint assistance scheme with Kasetsart University and the Department of Medical Sciences, local chicken farms have been provided with cheap enhanced feed that enriches eggs with iodine. The average daily cost of the feed is only Bt1 per hen and provides each household with four eggs to eat each day.

nationmultimedia.com/nation...

There is quite a bit more to read if you follow the link.

Rod

[PR4NOW]

Rod, they talk about hydroponics and increasing minerals but no mention of selenium either added to the chicken feed or as a result of the hydroponic growing. Usually they track selenium deficiency along with iodine deficiency. PR

[helvella Administrator in reply to PR4NOW]

True - and lots of things went through my mind. But it was a general article rather than a serious research report so maybe we are expecting too much? I wonder if there is a serious research report somewhere?

Rod

[Hidden]

Hi Rod

Despite being hypothyroid, I've never consumed a lot of iodine or made a point to include it in my diet.

With cretenism, isn't that where people are remarkably short for their age as well as having mental difficulties?

I read somewhere that cretenism does tie in with hypothyroidism but I'm wondering if I have cretenism as I'm short for someone who's meant to be nearly 30 - I'm 5'3". I also have underdeveloped physical features (small breasts) but I did start my first period at 13. Weird.

Jo xxx