Iodised salt: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox food
{{Short description|Salt mixed with a minute amount of various iodine-containing salts}}
| name = Iodised salt
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
| image = <!-- Image of iodised salt -->
'''Iodised salt''' (also spelled '''iodized salt''') is table salt mixed with a minute amount of various iodine-containing salts. The ingestion of iodine prevents iodine deficiency. Worldwide, iodine deficiency affects about two billion people and is the leading preventable cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Iodised salt is used to help reduce these deficiencies.
| caption = Iodised salt in a container
| type = Salt
| main_ingredient = [[Salt]], [[Potassium iodate]] or [[Potassium iodide]]
| calories = 0
}}
 
'''Iodised salt''' is [[table salt]] mixed with a minute amount of various [[iodine]]-containing salts. The ingestion of iodine prevents [[iodine deficiency]]. Worldwide, iodine deficiency affects about two billion people and is the leading preventable cause of [[intellectual disabilities]].


== History ==
== History ==
The practice of adding iodine to salt began in the early 20th century as a public health measure to prevent [[goiter]] and other iodine deficiency disorders. The first country to implement a nationwide iodisation program was [[Switzerland]] in 1922, followed by the [[United States]] in 1924.
[[File:Stamp_of_Indonesia_-_1996_-_Colnect_253494_-_UNICEF.jpeg|thumb|left|Stamp of Indonesia promoting iodised salt]]
 
The practice of adding iodine to salt began in the early 20th century. The first country to implement a nationwide iodisation program was Switzerland in 1922. The United States followed in 1924, and many other countries have since adopted similar measures.
== Health benefits ==
Iodised salt is an effective means of delivering iodine to populations that might not get enough of it through their diet. Iodine is essential for the production of [[thyroid hormones]], which regulate [[metabolism]], [[growth]], and [[development]].
 
=== Prevention of iodine deficiency ===
Iodine deficiency can lead to a range of health problems, including [[goiter]], [[hypothyroidism]], and [[intellectual disabilities]] in children. By ensuring adequate iodine intake, iodised salt helps prevent these conditions.
 
=== Recommended intake ===
The [[World Health Organization]] recommends a daily iodine intake of 150 micrograms for adults, 90-120 micrograms for children, and 250 micrograms for pregnant and lactating women. Iodised salt is a convenient way to meet these requirements.


== Production ==
== Production ==
Iodised salt is produced by adding small amounts of [[potassium iodate]] or [[potassium iodide]] to [[table salt]]. The amount of iodine added is carefully controlled to ensure that it meets public health guidelines without exceeding safe levels.
[[File:Iodized_salt_packet.jpg|thumb|right|A packet of iodized salt]]
Iodised salt is produced by spraying regular salt with a potassium iodate or potassium iodide solution. The amount of iodine added is small, typically around 20 to 40 mg of iodine per kilogram of salt. This process ensures that the iodine is evenly distributed throughout the salt.


== Usage ==
== Health Benefits ==
Iodised salt is used in the same way as regular table salt. It can be added to food during cooking or at the table. It is important to store iodised salt in a dry place to prevent the iodine from evaporating.
Iodine is an essential nutrient for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. Iodine deficiency can lead to a range of health issues, including goiter, hypothyroidism, and developmental delays in children. Iodised salt is an effective way to ensure adequate iodine intake in the diet.


== Controversies ==
== Global Usage ==
Some people believe that iodised salt has a different taste compared to non-iodised salt, although scientific studies have not confirmed this. Additionally, there are concerns about the stability of iodine in salt, especially in humid environments.
[[File:Share-of-households-consuming-iodized-salt.png|thumb|left|Share of households consuming iodized salt]]
The use of iodised salt is widespread, with many countries mandating its use to combat iodine deficiency. However, the level of consumption varies globally, with some regions still experiencing significant iodine deficiency.


== Alternatives ==
== Variants ==
In areas where iodised salt is not available, iodine can be obtained from other sources such as [[seafood]], [[dairy products]], and [[iodine supplements]].
[[File:Jodsalz_mit_Fluor_und_Folsaeure.jpg|thumb|right|Iodised salt with fluoride and folic acid]]
In addition to iodine, some iodised salts also contain other additives such as fluoride and folic acid. These variants are designed to address multiple nutritional deficiencies simultaneously.


== See also ==
== Related Pages ==
* [[Iodine deficiency]]
* [[Iodine deficiency]]
* [[Thyroid hormone]]
* [[Goiter]]
* [[Goiter]]
* [[Thyroid hormone]]
* [[Salt]]
* [[Salt]]
 
* [[Nutrition]]
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
 
== External links ==
* [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/iodine World Health Organization: Iodine]
* [https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/iodine.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Iodine]


[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Public health]]
[[Category:Micronutrients]]
[[Category:Salt]]
[[Category:Salt]]
[[Category:Iodine]]

Latest revision as of 20:57, 21 February 2025

Salt mixed with a minute amount of various iodine-containing salts


Iodised salt (also spelled iodized salt) is table salt mixed with a minute amount of various iodine-containing salts. The ingestion of iodine prevents iodine deficiency. Worldwide, iodine deficiency affects about two billion people and is the leading preventable cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Iodised salt is used to help reduce these deficiencies.

History[edit]

Stamp of Indonesia promoting iodised salt

The practice of adding iodine to salt began in the early 20th century. The first country to implement a nationwide iodisation program was Switzerland in 1922. The United States followed in 1924, and many other countries have since adopted similar measures.

Production[edit]

A packet of iodized salt

Iodised salt is produced by spraying regular salt with a potassium iodate or potassium iodide solution. The amount of iodine added is small, typically around 20 to 40 mg of iodine per kilogram of salt. This process ensures that the iodine is evenly distributed throughout the salt.

Health Benefits[edit]

Iodine is an essential nutrient for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. Iodine deficiency can lead to a range of health issues, including goiter, hypothyroidism, and developmental delays in children. Iodised salt is an effective way to ensure adequate iodine intake in the diet.

Global Usage[edit]

Share of households consuming iodized salt

The use of iodised salt is widespread, with many countries mandating its use to combat iodine deficiency. However, the level of consumption varies globally, with some regions still experiencing significant iodine deficiency.

Variants[edit]

Iodised salt with fluoride and folic acid

In addition to iodine, some iodised salts also contain other additives such as fluoride and folic acid. These variants are designed to address multiple nutritional deficiencies simultaneously.

Related Pages[edit]