Tag: Salt fortification

Decades ago, iodine deficiency was so widespread in certain regions that it was a significant public health issue, impacting billions of people globally. Today, many people still wonder: what's the difference between iodine and iodized, and why is this distinction important for our health?

In the early 20th century, up to 70% of children in some regions of the United States suffered from goiter, a thyroid condition caused by iodine deficiency. Iodized salt was introduced as a simple and cost-effective way to address this widespread health problem, particularly in inland areas where the soil lacked natural iodine.

In 2020, about 89% of the world's population had access to iodized salt, a significant public health achievement. The addition of iodine to salt is a global effort to combat iodine deficiency disorders.

Worldwide, iodine deficiency affects an estimated two billion people and is the leading preventable cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities. You would add iodine to salt as a safe, simple, and inexpensive public health measure to combat these serious health problems and ensure proper thyroid function.