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.