There are many issues that would run rampant in the past but due to the efforts of healthcare professional who worked hard to help people be rid of the problem, media for spreading the right information and the joint effort of people to make sure the disease doesn’t spread, we overcame those issues and moved on from them. But the complete eradication of diseases is a difficult task. Genes and biology work in weird ways. You could carry bacteria and diseased cells which do not affect you and pass it to someone who will be affected by it unknowingly. A recent case involving a 13-year-old boy with a rapidly swelling neck stumped the doctor at first. They ran tests to rule out common causes, but the real reason was something they hadn't initially considered which is iodine deficiency. This case, although rare these days, raises a red flag. It makes us wonder if we're starting to see more cases of iodine deficiency, a problem that was largely solved in the 20th century. This situation highlights the importance of remembering basic nutrients and their impact on health, even when they seem like a problem of the past. Why Is Iodine Deficiency A Concern?Iodine is a tiny but essential element that our bodies need to function correctly. It’s especially important for pregnant women and young children because it helps with brain development and growth. Iodine helps our bodies regulate metabolism, which is how we use energy. It also helps control other important body functions. One of the most obvious signs of not getting enough iodine is a goiter, which is a swelling in the neck. This happens because the thyroid gland, which uses iodine, gets bigger trying to work harder when there isn't enough iodine available. In the early 1900s, many people in the US, especially children living in certain areas, had goiters because they didn't get enough iodine. This was a serious public health problem. Then, public health experts figured out that adding iodine to table salt was a simple and effective way to solve the problem. This was a huge success. However, things have changed. We eat differently now, with more processed foods that don't always have added iodine. This, along with other changes in how food is made, means some people might not be getting enough iodine again. Who Are At Risk?Experts agree that most Americans still get enough iodine in their diets. However, they are worried about certain groups, especially pregnant women and young children. Pregnant women need more iodine for their babies' brains to develop properly. Some studies show that many prenatal vitamins don't even have iodine, which is a big concern. It's really important for pregnant and breastfeeding women to check their vitamin labels and make sure they're getting enough iodine. Even a little bit of iodine deficiency in children can cause problems with their learning and development. Although we don't know exactly how big of a problem iodine deficiency is becoming again in the US, the recent case and the concerns of doctors are good reasons to look into it more. We need more research to figure out how many people are affected and what the long-term effects might be. It’s also important to make sure doctors and the public know about the importance of iodine, especially for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and for young children. This will help prevent future problems related to iodine deficiency.