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Wednesday, March 4, 2015

ZamPen faces IDD problem - FNRI

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – Based on the result of the 8th National Nutrition Survey released by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) under the umbrella of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) show that Zamboanga Peninsula Region is the remaining region in the country with problem of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD).

This problem was validated through the Urine Iodine Excretion test, a test to determine adequacy of iodine nutrition to the region’s children ages from 6-12 years old. The result is 68 ul/L which is way below the required 100-199 ul/L for adequacy.

Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Maria del Pilar Pamela Tarroza said this micronutrient deficiency could lead to the reduction of intellectual and physical capacity of a child and may manifest as goiter, mental retardation, physical and mental defects and cretinism.

With this IDD situation in the region, the Department of Health (DOH) Region IX is strengthening the implementation of the Salt Iodization Program and the ASIN Law by monitoring the utilization of iodized salt and strict compliance of the salt producers, traders and retailers on the sale of “only iodized salt for human and animal consumption” as required by the law, Tarroza said.

The monitoring will focus on the availability or supply of iodized salt and the iodine content of the salt, she emphasized.