Iodine Deficiency and Mental Performance: A Review

ABSTRACT

Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) is responsible for a lot of adverse health effects and it is one of the most common causes of preventable mental impairment. Impaired cognitive function is an outcome of impaired neurodevelopment process during early pregnancy due to iodine deficiency. A few cross-sectional studies found differences in mental performance between areas with high iodine found naturally in the environment (well water) and those with low iodine level, but other studies showed otherwise. Intervention studies with iodine also give variety of results ranging from significant improvement of mental performance to non-significant findings. Malaysia faces with challenges in iodine supplementation among the population but it can be dealt with effectively if the programme is well executed and monitored.