ICCIDD's Hetzel wins Thai lifetime achievement award |
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Former Chair, Executive Director and Founder of ICCIDD recognized for life achievements on iodine nutrition and protection of brain development by prestigious Mahidol Foundation in Thailand. The Nation (Bangkok) reported November 28:
Professor Hetzel had extensively studied the adverse effects of iodine deficiency upon human health, particularly on the development of the human brain.
Between 1976 and 1985, Hetzel and his team demonstrated the effect of iodine deficiency on brain development and the central nerve system. He showed that severe iodine deficiency can lead to maternal and foetal hypothyroidism, which caused endemic cretinism and mental retardation.
His studies also proved that the IQ of children who have resided in areas with iodine deficiency decreased by 13.5 points in comparison to the IQ of children in areas without iodine deficiency.
This serious illness can be prevented by providing iodine to women during the reproductive period before conception.
Hetzel is an honorary president of the International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in Australia. The council has helped promote the comprehensive use of iodised salt in the consumption of goods, food industries and livestock sectors in about 100 countries. His work led to the popular use of the term "Iodine Deficiency Disorders" and increased awareness of the harmful effect of iodine deficiency.
Hetzel's endeavours against iodine deficiency have made a significant contribution to the proper development of human populations around the world, including Thailand.
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