Guiyang promotes prevention of iodine deficiency disorders

A promotion to raise public awareness of iodine deficiency disorders is held in Guiyang. [Photo/guiyang.gov.cn]

Guiyang, capital city of Southwest China's Guizhou province, held a number of activities to promote prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders, or IDD, on May 15, to mark the 28th national IDD prevention and control day.

Iodine is an essential micronutrient for human metabolism and growth and is also the main raw material for the body to synthesize thyroid hormones, which are active agents in body metabolism and help maintain the normal function of body organs, especially the brain.

Iodine deficiency can affect the normal development of the brain and cause irreversible damage to children's intelligence, so experts deem it important to supplement iodine in appropriate amounts for pregnant women, infants, children and adolescents with special needs.

The activities in Guiyang aimed to disseminate information about iodine, boost people's awareness of the harms of iodine deficiency and encourage people to supplement iodine.

Yunyan district, Baiyun district, Huaxi district and Qingzhen city all held activities to publicize knowledge about IDD and tell people how to scientifically supplement iodine through edible salt.

Moving forwards, Guiyang will improve its supervision of the salt market, to ensure the quality and safety of iodized salt.