The benefits of iodized salt. Iodized salt: benefits and harms

American scientists through long studies have proven that lack of iodine in the body, or the so-called iodine deficiency negatively affects health population of planet Earth. Members of the younger generation and pregnant women are at particular risk due to iodine deficiency. One of the alternative solutions replenishment of iodine deficiency in the human body was suggested use of iodized salt .

The researchers cited the fact that salt fortified and saturated with iodine can replenish the necessary iodine reserves in the human body. And, therefore, prevent developmental and growth retardation, protect against decreased intelligence and diseases thyroid gland, prevent delayed sexual development and reduce the risk of possible complications during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as prevent the development of atherosclerosis and premature aging of the human body.

Iodized salt was perceived by the public as manna from heaven. But, after a few years, scientists have fully studied the nature of the action of iodized salt on human body, sounded the alarm. It turned out that in addition to benefits, iodized salt can harm our body, and indeed, it came to light a whole series contraindications for use...

One of the main misconceptions was that any disorders of the thyroid gland were immediately tried “cure” by consuming iodized salt. Moreover, the more salt containing iodine was consumed, the better it should have affected the health of the body. But, as it turned out, this is not really the case!

It should be remembered: Iodized salt cannot be consumed uncontrollably and unlimitedly., adding it to all prepared dishes! There must be sufficiently compelling reasons for this, the diagnosis of your attending physician, for example, and his recommendations regarding how to include a certain dose of iodized salt into your diet. But nothing else...

Acceptable standards for the consumption of iodized salt for humans

In children under seven years of age daily requirement The body's iodine content ranges from fifty to seventy micrograms. One gram of iodized salt contains 65 micrograms of iodine.. But! per day, a child consumes up to five grams of salt along with food. If this salt contains iodine, then A child’s body receives 325 micrograms of iodine per day. It's so much more permissible norm. After several years like this “overdose” of iodized salt develops in a child's body thyrotoxicosis(excessive, higher than normal, formation of special thyroid hormones). As for adults, their body’s need for iodine is slightly higher, but an adult also consumes more iodine per day than he needs (when consuming iodized salt instead of regular salt), and as a result, such iodine oversaturation may develop cardiovascular diseases, and it can also cause myocardial infarction or stroke. That's why, You cannot consume iodized salt uncontrollably and every day!

What is iodized salt

This regular salt(we have already written about on our pages), which "iodized", by using potassium iodate(quite toxic substance). Oh, that means that iodized salt is a chemical product . Therefore, if you really worry about iodine deficiency in your body, then make up for this iodine deficiency not with chemically synthesized elements, but, if possible, with natural products containing natural iodine, which is absolutely non-toxic. This could be, for example, seaweed– seventy grams per day of this product will fill the necessary need for iodine in your body, or sea fish (it can be consumed not daily, but several times a week). Yes, you enrich your body with iodine and do not harm it.

Used just a few times a week seaweed or sea fish, you will fully provide your body with iodine.

In addition, iodized salt has quite clear contraindications for its use by certain categories of people who have the following diseases:

increased thyroid function,
thyroid cancer,
tuberculosis,
kidney diseases,
furunculosis,
chronic pyoderma,
hemorrhagic diathesis,
hives.

Lack of iodine is a common problem surrounded by many myths. We hope that this text will help you navigate.

Problems with memory, attention and logic can be a consequence of iodine deficiency in the prenatal period and in early childhood. In adults, iodine deficiency is the cause of thyroid diseases - diffuse and nodular goiter.

In 113 countries around the world, mandatory salt iodization is legally approved as a preventive measure for iodine deficiency. Russia is not among them, and iodized salt is used on a voluntary basis. And good will, as you know, often falls into the captivity of myths, prejudices and other folk art. Let's try to understand the mythology.

Myth 1. Iodine deficiency can be compensated for by diet.

Unfortunately, any products of plant and animal origin obtained in areas depleted of iodine contain insufficient amounts of iodine. The only way to compensate for iodine deficiency through diet is daily consumption of fresh sea fish and seafood. This poses a number of organizational difficulties and is not accessible to everyone.

Myth 2. Iodized salt is unstable, has a short shelf life, and iodine “evaporates” during cooking.

Most likely, this myth has its roots in the “pre-perestroika” years, when not very stable potassium iodide was used to iodize salt at the rate of 23 mg of iodine per kg of salt.

Currently, more stable potassium iodate is used for iodization at a rate of 40 mg per kg. That is, even with the inevitable loss of iodine during the storage of salt and heat treatment of food, reaching 40%, with daily use of about 6 g of salt, the intake of iodine into the body will be about 150 mcg/day, which corresponds to the physiological need of the body.

The shelf life of modern iodized salt is at least 12 months.

Myth 3. Iodized salt is not suitable for canning.

It is assumed that this myth is also associated with the unsatisfactory quality of iodized salt produced previously. A weighty argument against this myth is the quality of modern canned food, manufactured in countries where the use of iodized salt in food industry is mandatory.

Myth 4. There is a risk of overdose with additional iodine intake.

A dose of iodine up to 1000–2000 mcg is considered safe. It is unrealistic to receive such a dose with iodized salt or iodine preparations intended for the prevention of iodine deficiency.

Myth 5. There are allergies to iodine.

Iodine is a trace element, and an allergy to trace elements cannot develop by definition. This is the prerogative of complex organic compounds.

There may be an idiosyncrasy to iodine - intolerance to its pharmacological doses. These are the same doses of more than 1000-2000 mcg or 1-2 mg that we cannot get from iodized salt, but easily from a number of other drugs.

In particular, 1 ml of alcohol tincture of iodine contains 50 mg (50,000 mcg) of iodine. This dose of iodine can easily provoke dysfunction of the thyroid gland.

Myth 6: Sea salt is better than iodized salt.

Unfortunately, during the evaporation, purification and drying process, iodine is removed from sea salt almost completely disappears. For example, one gram of sea salt contains about 1 mcg of iodine, and iodized salt contains 40 mcg.

Myth 7. Iodized salt is contraindicated for many people

The only objective contraindication to taking prophylactic (minimum necessary for the full functioning of the thyroid gland) doses of iodine is the period of following an iodine-free diet at the stage of preparation for radioiodine therapy after surgical treatment of thyroid cancer.

Preventive doses of iodine cannot have a significant effect on the course of other thyroid diseases, including those accompanied by excess production of hormones.

Iodine, necessary for the thyroid gland, is found in very small quantities in food. But if there is not enough microelement, then iodized salt will help - a common and affordable seasoning. Its packaging is different, but the taste is the same as “regular” salt.

Chemical composition, iodine content

Iodized salt is the same as table salt (table salt), or sea salt, only enriched with microelements. In addition to sodium chloride, it contains iodide or potassium iodate (KIO3).

In Russia, they adhere to this standard, but a deviation up or down of 15 μg/g is allowed.

Iodine may be lost during the production process or when storing the spice in a store. The shelf life of the product with the addition of potassium iodate is 18 months, provided that it is stored airtight. If the package of salt is opened, the iodine content begins to decrease.

How is iodized salt different from regular salt?

Table salt (experts suggest abandoning the term “table salt”) is a food additive, spice, and a widespread flavoring. The sodium chloride content in the product is 95 – 97%. Chemical formula- NaCl. It contains other elements besides sodium and chlorine, and their quantity depends on the origin and method of extraction/processing of raw materials.

Types of salt used in food:

Stone. It is mined in places where there are deposits of the mineral halite. The raw materials are crushed and sieved, not dissolved, not heated, and no iodine is added. This food additive may contain harmful impurities (arsenic, copper, lead, cadmium, mercury, tin).
Marine. Precipitated by evaporation sea water, the richest in composition. Contains 90 – 95% NaCl, as well as ions of other metals and non-metals.
Evaporation. Obtained by evaporating dissolved rock salt. The method ensures an increase in NaCl content up to 97%.
Extra. Table salt of the finest grinding, obtained from evaporation. For bleaching and anti-caking, calcium or magnesium carbonate, sodium (potassium) hexacyanoferrate and other anti-caking substances are added.
Iodized. Evaporated and sea salt enriched with iodine.
Sadochnaya. It is mined in caves, from the bottom of salt lakes.

The human thyroid gland requires iodine in the form of ions to synthesize the prohormone thyroxine and the hormone triiodothyronine.

These bioactive substances regulate metabolism and cell function immune system. With a lack of iodine, insufficient hormones are formed, metabolic processes are disrupted, and all body systems suffer.

What is useful for women

Women and children of both sexes are more at risk of iodine deficiency. The condition is manifested by drowsiness, weight fluctuations, dry skin, swelling of the face, brittleness and hair loss, and destruction of nails. Due to the intake of a sufficient amount of microelement, the production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine is normalized, and the appearance. Women require 120 mcg/day of iodine.

The need for microelements increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding. During these periods, the daily dose of iodine should be 200 mcg or more. Moderate consumption of iodized salt reduces the likelihood of spontaneous abortion and abnormalities in the development of the fetus/child.

Beneficial properties for men

Russian experts believe that 120 mcg/day of iodine is enough for men. This amount corresponds to 3 – 8 g of fortified salt (one incomplete tsp or 1.5 tsp). Method of counting in different countries different. Recommended by the German Society for Nutrition daily consumption iodine for adults is 180–200 mcg/day (4–5 tsp with a microelement content of 40 mcg/g).

A sufficient amount of iodine in the body helps maintain physical activity and endurance in men. The trace element is necessary for the prevention of neuropsychiatric disorders, problems with memory and concentration.

For children's health

Iodine promotes normal child growth, prevention of speech disorders, and mental retardation. Iodized salt, consumed by women during pregnancy, helps prevent certain fetal development disorders and cognitive impairment in children.

Even with a mild iodine deficiency, the IQ of the newborn child is reduced by 10 points.

Recommended daily intake of iodine for children and adolescents (in mcg):

up to 2 years – 50;
from 2 to 6 years – 90;
from 7 to 12 years – 120.

Benefits of consuming micronutrient-fortified salt:

Ingest the WHO recommended dose of iodine from just 1 tsp. product.
Prevention of thyroid dysfunction.
Prevention of goiter.

Iodine can accumulate in tissues, so the recommended daily dose should not be exceeded.

Experts, when discussing the benefits and harms of iodized salt, argue that overdosing on a microelement in case of correct use flavoring is impossible. Only a daily intake of 2000 mcg of iodine into the thyroid gland of a healthy adult can lead to disease. To get this daily dose microelement, you need to consume 80 g of iodized salt every day.

Normal consumption of the fortified flavoring does not cause an overdose of the micronutrient. On the contrary, it does not guarantee elimination of the risk of iodine deficiency. Iodized salt loses its properties when stored in unsealed packaging in the light.

Application in the beauty industry

For cosmetic procedures, it is better to use iodized sea salt. If it is not there, then a regular, evaporated solution containing iodine will do. It is used to wipe the face and/or shoulders, neck, back when affected by acne and pimples. Concentrated saline solution for procedures you need to prepare daily.

Iodides and iodates are strong oxidizing agents that kill microbes at the site of wounds, abrasions, and cuts after shaving.

A bath with iodized sea salt benefits the entire body and skin. The procedure helps to better exfoliate dead epidermal cells, disinfect the urinary tract, promote relaxation of the body and calm the nervous system. One full bath will require about 1 - 2 kg of product. Minerals penetrate the dermis, moisturize, stimulate blood circulation, and prevent skin aging.

Fine iodized salt can cause vegetables to become soft after pickling. Coarse rock salt No. 1 is better suited.

Iodine loss during heat treatment up to 60%. In addition, hexacyanoferrates, which reduce caking, decompose at temperatures above 100 ° C into substances that are toxic to the body. You should add salt (iodized and “Extra” grade) to food only after heat treatment. It is better to use these spices in cold appetizers and salads.

Contraindications and possible harm

As a rule, iodized salt is not harmful to health. But the use of this type of flavoring in the diet is prohibited for certain diseases and conditions. Thus, iodine in any form is contraindicated for those who have undergone treatment for thyroid cancer.

You should also follow an iodine-free diet for such conditions.

chronic pyoderma;
hemorrhagic diathesis;
iodine intolerance;
kidney diseases;
furunculosis;
tuberculosis.

Excessive consumption of salt enriched with iodine can cause sleep disturbances, exacerbation of gout, diabetes, and kidney dysfunction.

Doses of more than 200 mcg of microelement per day are harmful. In this case, the risk of inflammatory and autoimmune processes in the thyroid gland, as well as allergies, increases.

Some experts say that iodizing salt is not the optimal way to increase the level of the micronutrient in the body. Inorganic forms of iodine are less easily absorbed and therefore do not solve the deficiency problem. It is necessary to consume more food containing organic iodine. This is seafood whole grains, seeds, milk, meat. Pharmaceutical preparations of iodine and dietary supplements can also be an alternative.

The food additive sodium chloride is a natural product extracted from the depths of the earth. In fact, it is just salt, so necessary and irreplaceable. It is used not only in food production, but also in medicine. It is also added when purifying water. It is impossible to imagine human life without salt. Ancient people began adding it to food; it was with white crystals that food became much more aromatic and tastier. Salt is necessary for the human body. Moreover, this fact has been proven by researchers. Without sodium chloride, rapid dehydration of the body's cells occurs, calcium is washed out of the bones, and the heart muscle becomes flabby and poorly moves blood through the vessels of the body. After all, it is salt that is contained in human blood, tear fluid and sweat. Sodium chloride helps retain water in the body on hot days.

How do they get it?

Salt is mined in different ways, but there are two main directions. When there are deposits of dry salt layers, it is extracted by crushing it into small particles, and the second method is evaporation from natural brine of earthly origin. Both types of salt are natural product and with the required amount of consumption, they benefit the human body.

Dry salt extracted from mountain layers can almost immediately reach the consumer’s table, but evaporated salt must undergo five degrees of purification, which makes it the most pure product.

Iodized

Now on store shelves you can find large number salt with natural additives. For example, eat it with herbs or a mixture of red and black pepper. Salt with added iodine is also found. What is iodized salt? What is it for, and is there any benefit from using it? Now we'll figure it out.

When extracted during the purification process, salt is added aqueous solution Yoda. Then the excess moisture is evaporated. Iodine crystals adhere tightly to the product crystals. This is how iodized salt is obtained. Next it is packed into containers. It is marked with iodine content. This salt is produced under laboratory control and complies with GOST standards.

Why is iodine supplementation so necessary? What are the benefits of iodized salt? Let's figure it out now. Iodine is essential for the human body. If there is a lack of this element, thyroid diseases may occur. And as you know, there is a lot of iodine only where there is a sea. But in our huge country, not all areas are located near the sea coast. Therefore, salt manufacturers began to add iodine to their product. Now let's talk about types of this product.

Species

Iodized salt comes in several types:

Stone. It is obtained by dry extraction. It is used not only in food, but also in medical purposes, for creating speleological chambers. Rock salt -natural product. But most often in its composition you can find impurities of sand, small stones and dust. Available in the form of coarse and medium grind salt.

Iodized table salt, which is obtained by evaporation from a solution. Used in everyday life and in food production. This salt is the purest product. It contains no foreign impurities or minerals. The grind of this salt is very fine. It is marketed under the name “Extra”. That is, this product is the best of the entire line.
Sea iodized salt is completely natural. It is obtained from sea water. This salt, like all others, is used for cooking and in for cosmetic purposes. This product has proven itself well in salting fish or meat. There are two types of sea salt: food salt, intended only for cooking, and cosmetic salt, which is sold in pharmacies or hardware stores.

Iodized salt: benefits and harms

Is adding iodine to salt beneficial? As mentioned above, a lack of this element in the body can cause problems with the thyroid gland. But every person can determine the lack of this substance in their body by such signs as dull skin, falling hair, brittle nails. If there is a lack of iodine, problems with concentration of memory and mental activity arise. However, with a large amount of consumption of such an element, it can cause harm to the body.

For example, people with thyroid disease should consult a doctor before consuming iodized foods. An excess of this element in the body leads to intoxication of some vital organs. However, even for quite healthy person iodized salt can be harmful. True, in the case when the consumption of salt itself becomes higher required norm. It was not for nothing that in ancient China, in order to kill a person, they forced him to eat a spoonful of salt. Therefore, it is necessary to consume any kind of it according to generally accepted standards. Even in the old days they said: “Over-salting is on the back, and under-salting is on the table.”

Should I add it to my children's diet?

Is iodized salt good or bad for baby food? Not long ago, RosPotrebNadzor issued an order to include iodized products in the menus of preschool and school age. However, questions are already arising about the usefulness of such additives. According to many doctors, the benefits and required quantity Iodine accumulates in the body after six months of use. And as we know, children receive all their basic nutrition in educational institutions and, as a result, the child’s body may become oversaturated with iodine. It is worth considering the selection of products with this element.

Iodized salt - required product, but it should be used wisely and as needed. You shouldn’t rely on the opinions of people around you, you need to take into account the state of your body. And if there is a problem of iodine deficiency in the body, you should purchase salt with the addition of this element.

There is no need to use an iodized product for preservation. Vegetables under the influence of molecules of this element become soft and lose their natural color. In addition, such canned food does not last long. And when heated, a large amount of iodine evaporates. Therefore, experts advise using iodized salt when preparing salads, sauces and adding salt to the dish after cooking.

Use in medicine

Iodized table salt, the health benefits of which have been proven by scientists, can serve as medicine. Whether to use iodized salt in everyday life or not is a matter for each individual. But you can use this product to do some procedures that will only benefit the human body. For example, on days when viral infections spread, in order to prevent diseases, an inhalation procedure can be carried out daily for all family members. Salt vapor will not only strengthen blood vessels, but will also kill all harmful bacteria accumulated on the walls of the nose.

Benefits for the body

Girls and women with nail problems can afford to take a hand bath once a week by adding a handful of iodized water to the water. table salt. Such procedures will make your nails strong and shiny.

By adding a little coarse salt to sour cream or cream, you can get an excellent body scrub. After using it, the skin will become soft and velvety.

Conclusion

Now you know what iodized salt is. The benefits and harms of this product are two important topics that we have discussed. You cannot talk about iodized salt as a harmful or healthy product. Everyone has the right to form their own opinion and use this supplement at their own discretion.

Today on Russian shelves you can find various types of salt for every taste: regular table salt, iodized salt, sea salt, with seasonings, with low content sodium and so on. Such diversity makes your eyes wide open. That is why it is important to learn how to choose not just tasty, but also useful product for yourself and your family.

Of course, when choosing salt, it taste qualities play an important role. But from the point of view of health professionals, something else is important. Namely, how much salt does a person consume per day and is it fortified? iodine.

All table salt, as well as salt used in cooking finished products food must be iodized

Only this will provide a safe and effective strategy for combating iodine deficiency diseases in people living in regions with a low iodine supply.

Do you have iodine deficiency?

According to the results of a WHO study for 2003

Russia is in a zone of moderate iodine deficiency

(median iodine 20–49 mg/L) and is one of 54 countries that are iodine deficient (median iodine less than 100 mg/L)

Iodine deficiency is especially pronounced in mountainous and foothill regions (Northern Caucasus, Altai, Siberian Plateau, Far East), in the Upper and Middle Volga region, as well as throughout the central part of Russia.

The Russian Federation (RF) ranks 3rd in terms of the number of iodine deficiency diseases

In the top 10 countries where the problem of iodine deficiency has not been solved. And this is not surprising, because the actual average iodine intake of a Russian resident is still only 40–80 mcg per day. This is in 3 times less established norm(150–250 mcg), which affects people's health.

Iodine intake per day: 150–250 mcg

Thus, studies have shown that in people living in regions of moderate iodine deficiency, the incidence of endemic goiter ranged from 5 to 30%, depending on the severity of iodine deficiency; and during autopsies of people who died from diseases not related to thyroid pathology, thyroid nodules were identified in 65.7% of cases.

At the same time, benign tumors (follicular adenoma) were present in every third person.

This situation is especially dangerous because pregnant women and young children suffer the most.

Who needs iodine and why?

First of all, optimal iodine intake is important for:

pregnant and lactating women
children under 3 years of age

This is due to the fact that it is in them that iodine plays the main role for proper development nervous system fetus and intellectual functions of the child.

What happens if you don't take enough iodine?

pregnant may lead to the development of:

spontaneous abortions
frozen pregnancy and stillbirth
congenital fetal anomalies

Insufficient iodine intake children, including with mother's milk or as part of artificial formulas, is the cause of the development of:

hypothyroidism
endemic cretinism
neurological disorders
delays in physical and mental development

According to research data from the Endocrinological Center of the Russian Federation (FGBU ENDS MZ) for the period 2003–2014. In Russia, an increase in the frequency of cases has been recorded again cretinism(severe mental retardation) associated with intrauterine iodine deficiency.

Calculations show that

About 1.5 million residents of Russia may have mental retardation and associated disability due to iodine deficiency in the diet.

Iodine deficiency in adults is fraught with the development of iodine deficiency diseases, such as:

diffuse goiter
hypothyroidism

How to understand that a child has a lack of iodine in the body?

In children, the need for iodine increases with age.

Up to one year old, it is enough for a child to consume 50 mcg of iodine per day
After 7 years of age, this requirement increases to 120 mcg of iodine per day

After 7 years, the child’s mental and physical activity increases markedly due to the start of school. Therefore, at this age, children often.

Signs of iodine deficiency in a child

First of all Iodine deficiency in children manifests itself as unfounded:

weakness
drowsiness
passivity
fatigue

In more severe cases may be observed:

enlargement of the thyroid gland
delayed mental and mental development
neurological disorders

A lack of iodine may be indicated by changes in the ultrasound of the thyroid gland and an increase in the level in the blood

Is it safe to use iodized salt for those for whom iodine is contraindicated?

Indeed, there are diseases in which redundant Iodine consumption is contraindicated in people:

with increased thyroid function (iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis, etc.)
if available in combination with signs of autonomy in the node(increased accumulation of radioactive iodine on thyroid scan, suppressed TSH level)
for thyroid cancer

Subject to daily norm consuming salt recommended by WHO (5-7 mg of salt per day), nothing bad will happen

This amount of salt provides the body with approximately 100–150 mcg iodine, which are absolutely physiological norm and are not capable of harming the body.

In addition, up to 30% of the iodine from iodized salt is lost during its production, transportation, storage and cooking. The remaining iodine is absorbed by the body only 92%.

If we turn to evidence-based medicine, then according to research, regular use iodized salt in people in goiter-endemic regions did not lead to an increase in the incidence of hyperthyroidism or iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis. But in groups of people who did not receive enough iodine, on the contrary, there was a higher incidence of both hypo- and hyperthyroidism.

Thus, the use of iodized salt in regions with iodine deficiency, which includes Russia, is safe and does not cause adverse reactions among the population.

Is it possible to overdose on iodine by eating iodized salt?

To get an iodine overdose from consuming iodized salt, you must eat it more than 50 g, and this, you see, is quite difficult.

So no, you can't.

Can a healthy person have an overdose of iodine?

Yes, it can.

1. In Russia it most often occurs when people start using alcohol tinctures iodine or Lugol's solution for “treatment” without drugs.

2. An excess of iodine in the body causes intake amiodarone or cordarone– drugs to normalize heart rhythm. Although here, of course, we are not talking about healthy people.

These drugs contain very high doses of iodine, which damage the thyroid gland and can cause both thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism. IN in this case disruption of the thyroid gland is often temporary and its function is restored when these drugs are discontinued.

3. An overdose of iodine can occur with vitamins “for prevention”. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor before taking them.

If iodine deficiency is detected, take proven medications with a clearly fixed dose of iodine and as recommended by a doctor

Is it enough to simply eat a nutritious diet to compensate for iodine deficiency?

Most people need additional sources of iodine, such as iodized salt, since in food products it is found in relatively small quantities.

In addition, when food is stored for a long time or improperly, most of the iodine “evaporates.”

In order to understand whether the population consumes a sufficient amount of iodine, the median iodine content (urinary iodine excretion on average for the study population) is determined. So, according to WHO research, iodine deficiency is observed not only in well-nourished countries, but even in Mediterranean and ocean countries such as France, Italy and Australia

And this means that

Neither food nor living in coastal regions is a panacea for iodine deficiency

Of course, if you clearly understand which foods contain iodine and consume them in sufficient quantities and with good regularity, there will be no need for additional iodine intake. However, in Russia, this is, for the most part, difficult to implement.

Thus, in the Russian Federation, as well as in many CIS countries, adults really need to receive additional iodine in a form that is accessible and sufficient for the body.

An excellent source of such iodine is iodized salt.

Iodized salt vs Sea salt

In sea salt iodine content is not regulated in any way. Considering the peculiarities of its manufacture, storage and transportation, iodine may be completely absent from it.

In sea salt, iodine is initially present in the form of volatile potassium iodide, which can evaporate during the salt production stage

In iodized salt it is used potassium iodate. It is resistant to sunlight and air, and is also more stable when heat treated. So, during cooking, about 20-40% of iodine is lost. However, most of it enters the body.

The Ministry of Health wants all salt in Russia to be iodized. Is this good or bad?

Our country already has an example of the absolute effectiveness of universal mandatory salt iodization

This happened in the 1950s–1970s. When, after 10 years of practice of universal salt iodization, the incidence of endemic goiter and cretinism was practically reduced to zero .

Unfortunately, after this, the Ministry of Health announced that the problem had been resolved and stopped conducting centralized control and monitoring. This has led to the incidence of iodine deficiency diseases beginning to rise again.

Why should such things be regulated by the state?

Firstly, because, I repeat, the effectiveness of such regulation has been shown both in our country and throughout the world as a whole.

Secondly, because adequate iodine intake important in the first years of a child’s life when he cannot yet independently control his diet, much less monitor his iodine intake.

Thirdly, most people think about their health only when it has already suffered, that is, it is too late.

Late initiation of prevention of iodine deficiency or treatment of related diseases leads to a slowdown in the development of society as a whole.

For example, as noted by Indian researchers, in regions with severe iodine deficiency, people work and think more slowly. They are more likely to experience weakness and drowsiness, lead poor lives and lack ambition. Even domestic animals, village dogs, for example, are more passive in comparison with their healthy relatives in other regions.

Thus, society becomes hostage to a vicious circle, which can only be broken by sufficient iodine consumption. And this should be regulated at the state level.

In conclusion, I will say that endocrinologists in Russia absolutely in favor of universal salt iodization. But it is not enough to simply issue a decree. It is important to regularly monitor the quality of iodized salt produced and monitor the median iodine content of the population at certain intervals to prevent poor-quality iodization or, conversely, iodine overdose. And also conduct a clear and well-developed campaign to raise public awareness about what iodized salt is and what it is needed for. This will avoid unnecessary avoidance of the product, as well as problems associated with the use of "" to replenish iodine deficiency.