Goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is located at the lower front of the neck. It can result from iodine deficiency or other causes such as autoimmune disease, inflammation, and various medical conditions.  

The signs and symptoms may include tiredness, decrease or increase in weight, low or increased appetite, depression, dryness of skin and hair, sleepiness, diarrhea or constipation, and menstrual irregularities for women.

Indunan also mentioned that women have higher risk of goiter than men. Pregnancy and menopause may also trigger problems in the thyroid.

Iodine deficiency remains the primary cause of goiter in the Philippines.

She explained  that IDD occurs when the body does not get enough iodine. It does not only cause goiter, but can also cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and congenital abnormalities in pregnant women and fetuses.  

For infants and preschoolers, it can affect their growth and could cause intellectual disability, and physical and motor abnormalities such as delayed walking and speech. It could also result in increased neonatal and infant mortality.

For schoolchildren, IDD could result in poor learning ability, low motivation, poor school performance, and poor general cognitive function.

In adults, IDD can impair mental function and could result in poor work capacity resulting in low productivity.

Indunan encouraged  to use iodized salt as a practical means of obtaining iodine in their daily diet to prevent goiter and other conditions associated with iodine deficiency. Iodine is essential for the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones.

Other sources of iodine include seafoods such as fish, shellfish, and seaweeds; dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt; meats; bread; eggs; iodinated water, and other iodine-fortified foods.

Presidential Proclamation 1188 signed by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on December 11, 2006  declared the fourth week of January as Goiter Awareness Week. (JDP/FBR- PIA CAR, Ifugao)