Iodine Deficiency- In many countries struggling with an iodine deficiency, iodization of consumed salts is mandatory. But a new study has revealed that storage conditions can drastically affect iodine content in salt – leading to shocking outcomes.
This study utilized Isotope Dilution Analysis to measure the stability of iodine in salt, taking into account various parameters like heating, heating with oxidizing agents and incubation by time. Results revealed significant iodine loss when heated at 200 degrees C for up to 24 hours; 41.16 percent was lost through heating at this temperature for 24 hours.
When heated with oxidized agents for 24 hours, iodine content decreased dramatically – to an astounding 58.46%! This suggests that the loss mechanism for iodine loss was similar in both cases; however, H202 resulted in greater iodine loss.
Researchers observed that even when stored at room temperature with a relative humidity between 30%-45% in sealed paper bags for three years, approximately 58.5% of the iodine content had been lost after only 3.5 years – an astonishing rate!
These findings are particularly troubling, as many countries rely on iodized salt to meet their daily requirement for iodine. A lack of this essential nutrient can cause serious health issues like goiter and mental impairment.
The study emphasizes the need to pay greater attention to storage and stability of iodine in salt, particularly where deficiency exists. The researchers hope their findings will spur further investigation and action so people around the world have access to safe and effective iodine supplementation.
Source- Biber FZ, Unak P, Yurt F. Stability of iodine content in iodized salt. Isotopes Environ Health Stud. 2002 Jun;38(2):87-93. doi: 10.1080/10256010208033316. PMID: 12219985.
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