Iodine Status in the Colombian Population and the Impact of Universal Salt Iodization: A Double-Edged Sword?

Iodine Status in the Colombian Population and the Impact of Universal Salt Iodization: A Double-Edged Sword? J Nutr Metab. 2019;2019:6239243 Authors: Vargas-Uricoechea H, Pinzón-Fernández MV, Bastidas-Sánchez BE, Jojoa-Tobar E, Ramírez-Bejarano LE, Murillo-Palacios J Abstract Iodine deficiency and iodine excess have severe consequences on human health and have been associated with the presence of goiter, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules and thyroid autoimmunity, poor mental health, and impaired intellectual development. Universal salt iodization programs have been considered one of the most cost-effective interventions for the prevention of iodine deficiency-associated disorders, as evidenced over time since the implementation of such programs. However, these efforts have also led to an excessive consumption of iodine in certain geographical regions, due to salt overuse. Consequently, the amount of iodine derived from salt intake exceeds the established limits required for achieving the right balance between salt consumption and health benefits and leads to undesirable health effects. In Colombia, the recommendations and standards for the production and commercialization of iodized salt are fully complied with. Nevertheless, there is a remarkable rate of iodine excess among the country's population, which, at least hypothetically, represents a higher risk for developing functional and structural di...
Source: Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism - Category: Nutrition Tags: J Nutr Metab Source Type: research