INCIDENCE OF GOITRE AND OTHER IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS IN SELECTED VILLAGES OF DISTRICT CHAMOLI IN GARHWAL HIMALAYA

Garhwal Himalaya was known to be iodine deficient. It was reported that 25% of population lived here were mentally retareded. To overcome this Govt of India lauches Salt Iodization program. But due to tough terrain it was not distributed adequately. In the present work we assess the impact of iodize salt in the population of Chamoli Garhwal . Total 11 villages were surveyed for Goiter and IDDs. Thyroid hormone was measured in blood serum and iodine content was measured in Urine. We found that Goiter and IDD was very low in the region and hormonal values were on normal side. Despite the populations were not using iodized salt adequately. We concluded that iodine is important for metabolism but nature is sufficient to provide. There is no need to given externally.