Retailers urged to sell iodised salt to build healthy nation

GAIBANDHA, July 29: Speakers at a function here Wednesday unequivocally urged the retailers to sell iodised salt to the consumers regularly to help build a sound and healthy society.
"A human body needs iodine for the thyroid to produce a couple of essential hormones which help regulate the metabolism and the growth and development of the body side by side with improving the functions of the brain, such as memory, concentration and the ability to learn",  they said.
They made the comments while addressing a briefing session of usage of iodised salt for the retailers at the conference room of Sadar upazila parishad of the district here on Wednesday morning.
Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), Gaibandha unit, arranged the function under its Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorder project funded by UNICEF Bangladesh.
Acting UNO M. Mustafizur Rahman addressed the function as the chief guest and assistant general manager of BSCIC AKM. Mosfiqul Islam was present as the special guest while former chairman of Laxmipur union parishad Aynul Haque presided over the ceremony.
Trainers M. Shaharuk H. Prodhan and AM Monowar Hsossain conducted the training sessions as resource persons.
The trainers said the benefits of using of iodised salt are numerous as the whole body depends on the mineral in order to function properly.
Iodised salt in moderation can help prevent miscarriages and stillbirths and avoid cretinism, which can affect the physical and mental growth of the baby while it is in the womb or shortly after it is born, they also said.
UNO Mustafizur Rahman in his speeches said studies have shown that an iodine deficiency may contribute to certain types of cancer such as breast, ovary, lung and prostate cancers.
Iodised salt can help create hormones which regulate the heart rate and blood pressure and help the body to burn extra fat deposits that contribute to heart disease, he said quoting the studies.
Later, rapid test kids including pad and board were distributed to the retailers to identify the iodine mixed salt.
A total of 50 retailers coming from 5 haat and bazaars of Sadar upazila participated in the function spontaneously.