Life Saving Bindi a Novel Approach to Combat Iodine Deficiency

Abstract

The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones. The two most important hormones are tetraiodothyronine (thyroxine or T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).Iodine deficiency is a major health problem in India. Iodine deficiency that can lead to disorders like goiter, hypothyroidism and even brain damage. Even mild iodine deficiency in pregnant women can result in children being born with cretinism and mental retardation. The most popular method of tackling the problem has been to encourage the consumption of iodised salt. An iodine patch, designed like a regular bindi, is expected to help iodine deficiency. It seems like a brilliantly simply idea The wearing of bindis form part of a cultural practice of Indian Women, which are “self-adhesive” in between their eyebrows, have been impregnated with a solution of iodine. Production costs are minimal, wearing the iodine- infused bindi requires no behavioral change. Conclusion: Incorporation of medicine into lifestyle habits and daily practice through novel approaches should be encouraged like Iodine Bindi in the management of other chronic diseases. KEY