Salt iodization

Abstract

Salt iodization, or the fortification of salt with iodine, is a major approach in the prevention of iodine deficiency disorders. This report focuses on improved cognition as the most important benefit of salt iodization programs, in particular on the improvements in mental function in iodine deficient children. Several small-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined the effect of iodine supplementation of children on their mental function. Each study uses a different suite of mental tests, which makes it difficult to interpret the clinical significance of treatment effects and the studies also find inconsistent results. We believe there is a reasonably strong case that countrywide salt iodization efforts have successfully reduced iodine deficiency, though the evidence has some weaknesses. – AI-generated abstract.