THE Iodine status of 6-12-year-old Filipino children is within the goal set by the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorder (ICCIDD).

This was one of the positive findings of the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).

The other good news is that households using iodized salt have been increasing.

The program to upgrade nationwide salt iodization started in 1995, when Republic Act No. 8172 or ASIN Law was enacted as a major effort to end the prevailing iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) among Filipinos.

Fifteen (15) years hence, the Philippines is reaping the positive results of the concerted action to pursue a common agenda for improved nutrition of every Filipino.

However, the 7th NNS shows that IDD still remains a public health problem among pregnant women.

The 2002 Philippine Committee on the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes (RENI) says that pregnant women need 200 micrograms of iodine per day.

The iodine requirement increases during pregnancy to provide for the needs of the fetus and to compensate for increased loss of iodine in the urine.

The lack of iodine in the diet in pregnant women may cause complications or even miscarriage.

During pregnancy, IDD may trigger adverse consequences on the development of the fetus such as mental retardation, low birth weight, and neuro-muscular abnormalities.

IDD may also develop among children and adults due to the lack of iodine in the diet. The most visible physical manifestation of IDD among adults is an enlarged thyroid. 

The FNRI-DOST recommends including food rich in iodine in the daily meals such as fish, shellfish, and seaweeds.

However, the iodine content of plants and animals varies depending on the environment in which they are grown. Thus, iodized salt and processed foods containing iodized salt are also recommended as good sources of iodine.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call: 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.

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(Czarina Teresita S. Martinez finished her M.S in Applied Nutrition at the University of the Philippines Los Banos. She has worked as a community nutritionist in Metro Manila, as hospital dietitian and as nutrition instructor. At present, she is a technical staff, a trainor and a writer at the Food and Nutrition Research Institute-Department of Science and Technology).