GOITRE

Hokitika Guardian, 31 March 1927, Page 4

GOITRE

L-L dr’ lODINE. HR WATT SOUNDS WARNING. WELLINGTON. March 2 >. Dr M. 11. Watt. deputy-Director-Ceneral cl Health, made an important statement today in respect to goitre and the risks the public ran through taking so-called "goitre cures'' without adequate medical supervision. A considerable amount of publicity had lent given to the fact that there is an undue incident of goitre in New Zealand, and that this is nltrihvi.-B ' to a relative lack of iodine in vegetables, and water It is not. stirprism r therefore, if the public have l'ormi I the idea that iodine at n 1! limes is a good thing. rn.imlieous use of iodine is accompanied by a serious risk, aud may transform unsightly hut eomparativolharmless, simple, or ordinary gin into a. much more serious toxic forte of exophthalmic goitre, or Grave’s Piease Indeed, there is sumo reason to believe that, actual harm has boon doe-- in N’i w 7. 'aland i:: the hist two or Hirer- year.-,, a.-, the death rate and admission rate to hospitals from thi toxic goitre group have shown a marked increase over this period. There is here more than a suggestion that the public are using so-called “< remedies'’ without adequate medical supervision. T :, e quantities of iodine neefor health are infinitesimal, and larger, qualities should he taken only under close medical siipervix m. lodised .-.all in the proportion used in New Zealand. is as far as i- known, wholly free from risk, and can do only good. Administration of a lozenge con taming one grain of potassium iodine l>v the School Medical Service is another form of medication which has proved harmless, and is upon an established basis. The point that Dr Watt wishes to nutke is that, a]tart from iodised sal l and goitre lozenges, iodine, or salt thereof, should be taken only for the prevention or cure of goitre, under the direct supervision of a medical man. The department has been impressed with the need for further control of tin* use ot so-called “goitre remedies’’ and in the near future it. proposes to regulate the sale of such remedies.