Iodised salt: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

← Older editNewer edit →
CSV import
CSV import
Line 1: Line 1:
[[File:Global iodized salt logo.jpg|thumb]] [[File: Iodized salt packet.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Iodised salt.JPG|thumb]] [[File:Share-of-households-consuming-iodized-salt.png|thumb]] Iodised Salt
{{Infobox food
| name = Iodised salt
| image = <!-- Image of iodised salt -->
| caption = Iodised salt in a container
| type = Salt
| main_ingredient = [[Salt]], [[Potassium iodate]] or [[Potassium iodide]]
| calories = 0
}}


Iodised salt, also known as iodized salt, is table salt mixed with a minute amount of various iodine-containing salts. The ingestion of iodine prevents iodine deficiency, which affects about two billion people worldwide and is the leading preventable cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Iodised salt is used to help reduce the incidence of iodine deficiency in humans.
'''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.


The practice of adding iodine to salt began in the early 20th century. In 1924, the United States began adding iodine to salt to combat the widespread problem of goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by iodine deficiency. This public health initiative was successful in significantly reducing the incidence of goiter and other iodine deficiency disorders.
== 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]].


* Chemistry
=== 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.


Iodised salt is typically produced by adding potassium iodate (KIO₃) or potassium iodide (KI) to table salt (sodium chloride, NaCl). The amount of iodine added is small, typically around 20 to 40 mg of iodine per kilogram of salt. This concentration is sufficient to provide the recommended daily intake of iodine for most individuals.
=== 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.


* Health Benefits
== 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.


Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. Adequate iodine intake is crucial for:
== Usage ==
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.


* '''Preventing Goiter''': Iodine deficiency can lead to the development of goiter.
== Controversies ==
* '''Preventing Intellectual Disabilities''': Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can lead to cretinism, a condition characterized by severe intellectual disability and developmental delays.
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.
* '''Supporting Metabolic Health''': Thyroid hormones play a key role in regulating metabolic processes.


* Public Health Impact
== Alternatives ==
 
In areas where iodised salt is not available, iodine can be obtained from other sources such as [[seafood]], [[dairy products]], and [[iodine supplements]].
The introduction of iodised salt has been one of the most successful public health interventions. It has led to a significant reduction in the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health organizations recommend universal salt iodization as a strategy to eliminate iodine deficiency.
 
* Controversies and Challenges
 
While iodised salt has been effective in reducing iodine deficiency, there are challenges and controversies associated with its use:
 
* '''Overconsumption of Salt''': Public health campaigns often focus on reducing salt intake to prevent hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Balancing iodine intake with reduced salt consumption is a challenge.
* '''Iodine Sensitivity''': Some individuals may be sensitive to iodine and could experience adverse effects from excessive iodine intake.
* '''Stability of Iodine''': Iodine can be volatile and may evaporate from salt over time, especially in humid conditions, reducing its effectiveness.
 
* Alternatives and Supplements
 
In addition to iodised salt, iodine can be obtained from other dietary sources such as seafood, dairy products, and iodine-fortified foods. In regions where iodised salt is not available, iodine supplements may be used to prevent deficiency.
 
==Also see==


== See also ==
* [[Iodine deficiency]]
* [[Iodine deficiency]]
* [[Goiter]]
* [[Thyroid hormone]]
* [[Thyroid hormone]]
* [[Goiter]]
* [[Salt]]
* [[Salt]]
* [[Public health]]


{{Iodine}}
== References ==
{{Salt}}
{{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:Nutrition]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Public health]]
[[Category:Public health]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Micronutrients]]
[[Category:Salt]]

Revision as of 04:32, 29 December 2024

Iodised salt
[[File:|frameless|alt=]]
Iodised salt in a container
Alternative names
Type Salt
Course
Place of origin
Region or state
Associated national cuisine
Created by
Invented
Cooking time minutes to minutes
Serving temperature
Main ingredients Salt, Potassium iodate or Potassium iodide
Ingredients generally used
Variations
Food energy 0 kcal
Nutritional value Protein: g, Fat: g, Carbohydrate: g
Glycemic index
Similar dishes
Other information
Website [ Official website]



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

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.

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

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.

Usage

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.

Controversies

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.

Alternatives

In areas where iodised salt is not available, iodine can be obtained from other sources such as seafood, dairy products, and iodine supplements.

See also

References

<references group="" responsive="1"></references>


External links

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.com/index.php?title=Iodised_salt&oldid=6080485"