Iodine prophylaxis programme in rural area of Kolhapur district of Maharashtra

It is well established that iodine deficiency is the principle cause of goiter and widely prevalent nutritional problem in India. A great number of subjects living in iodine deficient conditions have appeared to develop adequate adaptive mechanism without clinical evidence of thyroid hyperplasia. Also govt. of India has implemented compulsory use of iodized salt all over the nation since 1985 as a prophylactic measure. But the programme is criticised through various channels of publications, stating that the long term consumption of iodised salt may result in toxic effects of iodine, such as thyrotoxicosis and other thyroid related complications. A survey was carried out therefore to study the effects of prophylaxis programme among the rural community of Kolhapur district of non-endemic area and ill-effects if any, due to prolonged use of iodised salt were studied. Our study concludes that use of iodised salt has beneficial effects towards prophylactic measures against goiter. Also prolonged consumption of iodised salt in non-endemic area has not resulted in any ill-effects due to extra iodine.