Iodine is a trace elements important for human health.It is responsible for synthesis of thyroid hormones which controls basal metabolic rate and growth hormone synthesis.
In growing children and pregnant women iodine is a must. Fetus utilises mother thyroid hormones for neural development like myelination and synapse formation.They can affect bone development and linear growth, as thyroid hormone regulates growth hormone and IGF- 1 , which promote skeletal growth.
So deficiency of iodine can lead to cognitive damage , short stature and stunted growth in children . It can lead to spectrum of iodine disorder deficiency which includes goitre (enlarged thyroid gland) , hypothyroidism, cretinism and other myxedematous symptoms.
Rock salt are minimally processed and unrefined but they lack iodine unlike normal table salt with mandatory iodization.
Do you think dietary alternative of iodised salt like seaweed ( kelp, nori , wakame) , sea food ( shrimp ,tuna ),some fruits ( cranberry, prunes) is enough to avoid the complications of iodine deficiency.
Or this new trend of using mineral salt instead of iodised salt is a potential issue?
The use of mineral salt instead of iodised salt can become a potential issue. Earlier, the companies were selling uniodized salt which lead to major iodine deficiency. therefore, the Indian government made it compulsory for companies to add iodine in their salt before selling in indian market.
Yes, the increasing use of rock salt is posing a challenge to iodination programmes. Unlike iodized salt, rock salt is generally not fortified with iodine, which can undermine efforts to prevent iodine deficiency disorders. Public awareness on the health benefits of iodized salt and stricter monitoring of salt fortification are essential to sustain the success of these programmes.
While natural foods like seaweed and seafood can provide iodine, relying solely on them may not meet everyone’s needs consistently. The shift to mineral salts without iodine could risk deficiency, so iodized salt remains a simple and effective way to prevent serious health issues.
This post raises a very important concern. Iodine is truly essential, especially for kids and pregnant women. While seaweed and seafood are good sources, not everyone eats them regularly. Replacing iodised salt with mineral salt might look trendy, but it can increase the risk of deficiency. Goitre and stunted growth are serious issues we shouldn’t ignore. I feel iodised salt is still the safest and easiest way to meet daily iodine needs.
Dietary sources like seaweed, seafood, and some fruits can provide iodine, but intake is often inconsistent. Replacing iodised salt with mineral salts risks deficiency, especially in populations with limited iodine-rich foods. Iodised salt remains the most reliable safeguard.