Iodine deficiency is the single greatest cause of preventable mental retardation: Severe deficiencies cause cretinism, stillbirth and miscarriage, while even mild deficiency can significantly affect the learning ability of populations.

It is easily preventable by ensuring that salt consumed by households is adequately iodized. Yet, 38 million newborns worldwide remain unprotected and there are still 36 countries where fewer than half of households consume iodized salt.