Salt Iodine Research Articles

Prevalence of goitre and iodine deficiency among school children (6-12 years) in rural areas of North Karnataka, India: A cross-sectional survey, 2016-19.

Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) have remained an unresolved public health problem in India. In this survey, we have estimated the prevalence of IDD among 6-12 years of school children in rural areas of north Karnataka, India and estimated the prevalence of low iodine content (<15 ppm) in salt at the household level and urine iodine excretion in this population. In this cross-sectional survey, we recruited 16,827 children between 6 and 12 years of age through multistage sampling from six districts. Goitre was examined clinically for all children. Household-level salt iodine estimation and urinary iodine estimation were carried out among a subset of the participants. Overall prevalence of goitre was 17.1% (95% CI: 16.5, 17.7). Out of this, 76.7% (n = 2116) had Grade-1 goitre, and 23.7% (n = 656) had Grade-2 goitre. The prevalence of goitre was higher among females (17.9%, vs. male 16.4%, P < 0.05). The prevalence of low iodine content (<15 ppm) in salt was 48.5% (95%CI: 46.7, 50.3). The overall median iodine excretion in urine was 85 μg/L (IQR: 60-150 μg/L). In total, 37.2% (n = 601) had mild iodine deficiency, 5.2% (n = 84) had moderate deficiency, and 10.1% (n = 163) had severe deficiency. All parameters showed high inter- and intradistrict variations. North Karnataka has a high goitre prevalence. Low use of iodized salt can be a major reason for the high prevalence of the condition. Ensuring the availability of iodized salt in this region and periodic surveillance to measure the impact of the programme should be the priority in this region.

Post-iodination trends in thyroid pathology; 14-year experience at a single center in a goitre endemic area

Introduction: Goitre is endemic in many parts of Sri Lanka. Universal iodination of salt was commenced in Sri Lanka in 1995 as a measure to reduce the prevalence. This study was designed to identify the pattern of thyroid pathology reported during a period of 14 years from 2002 to 2015 in a Pathology Unit serving the population in a goitre endemic area in Sri Lanka.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included all thyroidectomy specimens histologically assessed at our unit from 2002 to 2015. Data on age, gender, clinical presentation, type of resection, and histopathological diagnosis were retrieved from the records. The trend of change in thyroid pathology over time was analysed by comparing 2002-2010 cohort (615specimens) with the 2011-2015 cohort (995 specimens).Results: This study included 1610 thyroidectomy specimens. Features of colloid goitre were present in 71.6% (1152/1610). Prevalence of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroid cancer was 41% (660/1610) and 15.3% (246/1610) respectively. There was no significant change in the gender and the age at presentation over the years. However, an upward trend in the prevalence of both focal and diffuse chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (p&lt;0.001), hyperplastic nodules (p=0.008), papillary microcarcinoma (p&lt;0.001), papillary carcinoma and colloid nodular goitre (p=0.004) was evident.Conclusions: Parallel increase in the prevalence of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and papillary carcinoma together with the upward trend in the prevalence of colloid nodular goiter was evident.

Iodine Excess May Lead to Low Exam Score in Children Aged 8-10 Years.

Recent research has shown that iodine excess may damage children's intelligence. Years of monitoring results in Shanghai show the iodine status has approached the upper limit of the appropriate range for children aged 8-10years, indicating a risk of iodine excess. We used multi-stage random sampling to select children. Sixteen districts of Shanghai were divided into five units based on geographic location, and one primary school was randomly selected from each unit. In each selected school, about 40 children aged 8-10years were randomly recruited to measure their urinary iodine concentration (UIC), household salt iodine concentration (SIC), the score of the final unified exam of the last semester, and school canteen salt iodine concentration. The median UIC of 3213 children aged 8-10years in Shanghai was 195.4 (122.0, 285.8) µg/L and exceeded 200µg/L in 48.8% of the population. Household and school canteen iodized salt coverage rates were 60.3% and 82.5% respectively, and mean household and school canteen SICs were 21.51 ± 9.30mg/kg and 25.29 ± 3.40mg/kg respectively. By correcting for potential confounding factors, logistic regression demonstrated that compared to the adequate iodine status group, students in the slight iodine excess group were less likely to get "A" (score > 90) in math, Chinese, and English exams (Math: OR = 0.775, 95% CI = 0.660-0.911, P = 0.002; Chinese: OR = 0.707, 95% CI = 0.543-0.842, P < 0.001; English: OR = 0.720, 95% CI = 0.610-0.849, P < 0.001). In Shanghai, the iodine status of 8-10-year-old children is approaching the upper limit of the adequate range. Iodine excess in Shanghai may lead to low exam scores for students.

Factors associated with recent iodine intake level among household food handlers in Southwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIodine deficiency is a global public health threat, affecting an estimated two billion people. The median urinary iodine concentration is more reliable in determining recent iodine intakes and the risks of iodine deficiency. Therefore, this study was aimed to identify the factors associated with recent iodine intake level using median urinary iodine concentration as an indicator among household food handlers in southwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based survey was conducted with selected households using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire in southwest Ethiopia. A 20-gram sample of table salt and a 5 ml causal urine samples were also collected and analyzed using rapid test kit and a Sandell-Kolthoff reaction, respectively. A salt iodine concentration above 15 ppm was classified as adequately iodized and a median urinary iodine concentration between 100 and 200µgl− 1 was considered as adequate iodine intake. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with their 95% confidence levels were reported. Associations with a p-value ≤ 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance.ResultsA total of 478 women were included, with a mean age of 33.2 (± 8.4 years). Only 268 (56.1%) of the households had adequately iodized salt (> 15 ppm). The median urinary iodine concentration (interquartile range) was 87.5 µg l− 1 (45.6-107.6). In a fitted multivariable logistic regression model (p-value = 0.911), illiterate women (AOR = 4.61; 95% CI: 2.17, 9.81), poorly iodized salt in the household (AOR = 25.0; 95% CI: 13–48), salt purchased from open market (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.0, 3.73) and women who do not read the label during purchasing the salt (AOR = 3.07; 95% CI: 1.31, 7.17) were important predictors of the risk of Iodine deficiency.ConclusionDespite public health efforts to improve iodine intake, its deficiency is still a major public health problem among southwest Ethiopian women.

P04-004-23 Capacity Building and Strengthening of Salt Iodine Monitoring Laboratories in Rural Endemic Areas of Uttar Pradesh India – Alternate Health Care Delivery

P04-004-23 Capacity Building and Strengthening of Salt Iodine Monitoring Laboratories in Rural Endemic Areas of Uttar Pradesh India – Alternate Health Care Delivery

Adequacy of equine thyroid function testing in mares

The gold standard for thyroid function in horses is a thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) response test. We hypothesized that published reference values for thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) would apply to mares in an iodine deficient zone. Our objective was to evaluate basal thyroid hormone levels and TRH responses in twenty-seven healthy Quarter Horse type mares fed grass hay, oats, with free access to cobalt iodine salt blocks and mean ± SD age of 9.2 ± 4.4 years, and weight of 527 ± 65.1 kg. Four mares were 10 to 35 days pregnant. Physical examinations were within normal limits including palpation and ultrasound of the thyroid gland. TRH response tests were performed mornings from July to September. A basal jugular blood sample (0 h) was obtained, TRH (1 mg IV, Sigma) was administered, and additional samples obtained at 2 h for T3 and 4 h for T4. Definitions: Fold change (FC) post-TRH level / basal level; Euthyroid basal T4 (12.87-38.6 nmol/L) and T3 (0.41-1.1 nmol/L) within reference ranges of Animal Health Diagnostic Lab, Ithaca, NY and TRH T4 and T3 responses with a FC >2. The Post TRH FC reference ranges for T4 and T3 reported by Breuhaus (2018) were also evaluated (T4 FC 1.3-3.8; T3 FC 1.1-10). Serum was separated and stored at -20C. A single assay was performed to measure T3 and T4 using the Siemen's Immulite method (PDS, Saskatoon, SK). Data were evaluated using Shapiro Wilk, Kruskal Wallis and Spearman Rank Correlation at P < .05. Low basal levels were measured in three mares for T3 (11%), and two for T4 (7.4%). Ten mares had T3 levels with a FC<2 (37%), and two had FC<1.1 (7.4%). Regarding T4 twenty-two mares (81%) had a FC<2 and ten had a FC <1.3 (37%). The FC was below the reference range for both T3 and T4 in two mares. There were significant correlations between basal T3 and T4 (R=0.47 P=.012) and between T3 FC and T4 FC (R=0.64, P=.0001), and no effect of pregnancy. We concluded that basal T3 and T4 values were too variable to assess thyroid function, as mares with low basal values usually had a FC>2. Using FC >2 as an adequate TRH response is problematic as a FC<2 was identified in 37% of T3 and 81% of T4 mares. There were 7.4% and 37% of mares below the low end of the FC reference for T3 and T4 respectively. These low values may indicate that the mares were hypothyroid, which is often due to underlying iodine insufficiency. Iodine status and its relationship to the thyroid response to TRH should be further evaluated due to iodine's central role in equine health.

Commercially available iodized salts in Noakhali, Bangladesh: Estimation of iodine content, stability, and consumer satisfaction level

The concentration of iodine in edible salt and its stability in different brands were evaluated in Noakhali district, Bangladesh using iodometric titration. Brand A and B had unacceptable amounts of iodine, whereas Brand C and D had appropriate amounts according to the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) standards. Iodine loss due to humidity and temperature gradually increased from 2 to 4 days for brands B, C, and D (slower in Brand A), and stabilizing after six days. The structural Model Equation (SME) revealed that, maternal education, family income, and consumer satisfaction level (CSL) positively affected different brands of salt use (p ≤ 0.05). These findings provide a clear understanding that, Iodine content in different Salt Brands available in the Noakhali region varies and decreases with exposure to air over time, as well as CSL towards different salt brands (Brand A-least satisfactory and Brand D-most satisfactory). CSL was about 2.35 and 4.19 times higher in Brand C and D due to having iodized salt with the satisfactory range of BSTI (p ≤ 0.05). The study emphasized that, care should be taken during the salt manufacturing and packaging process, distribution, and storage condition at the household level to ensure adequate intake of iodine.

Field-friendly MUNNG® optima simple test kit for quick qualitative assessment of iodine and iron presence in double-fortified salt.

Data from several efficacy studies and a long-term effectiveness study have encouraged the governments to adopt a policy of providing double-fortified salt (DFS) in the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) programs in government schools across India. These envisaged food security events are likely to boost the manufacturing of DFS in a big way. Thus, it becomes pertinent to come up with a robust monitoring system involving community and field workers for quality checks. It is imperative to equip these field workers with simple testing kits (STKs) capable of qualitative detection of iron and iodine in DFS. As the consumer acceptance of foods is based on several factors including sensory characteristics, performance, convenience, cost, nutrition, and product image, a variety of iron compounds are in use for fortification. However, it becomes challenging to provide a kit that can overcome the chemical masking of iodine detection by iron compounds. We aimed at (1) the development of a field-friendly STK for quick qualitative assessment of iodine and various forms of iron present in DFS, (2) to check its validity under field conditions. We put in place reagents combined using known chemical reactions and balanced use of oxidants to overcome the problems of encapsulation and to maximize the use, by enabling reagent combination to react with all forms of iron. The kit reagents successfully detect iodine as well as three commonly used iron fortificants in DFS. Published field trials confirmed the specificity and sensitivity of the developed kit. The simplicity and use of the kit by a field worker can be seen in the enclosed video. The combination of improvised kit reagents allows early detection of iron and iodine in DFS. Iron is detected in a variety of iron-containing fortifications. The provision of diluted H2O2 ensures the presence of oxygen-free radicals that enhances iodine release captured by concentrated KI making iodine detection an easy task.

Relationship between Dining Place, Iodine Source, and Iodine Nutrition in School-Age Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

ObjectiveThis study assesses the impact of iodine-rich processed foods and dining places on the iodine nutritional status of children. MethodsSchool-aged children (SAC) in seven provinces in China were selected by school-based multistage sampling. Urinary iodine, salt iodine, and thyroid volume (TVOL) were determined. Questionnaires were used to investigate dining places and iodine-rich processed foods. The water iodine was from the 2017 national survey. Multi-factor regression analysis was used to find correlations between variables. ResultsChildren ate 78.7% of their meals at home, 15.1% at school canteens, and 6.1% at other places. The percentage of daily iodine intake from water, iodized salt, iodine-rich processed foods, and cooked food were 1.0%, 79.2%, 1.5%, and 18.4%, respectively. The salt iodine was correlated with the urinary iodine and TVOL, respectively (r = 0.999 and -0.997, P < 0.05). The iodine intake in processed foods was weakly correlated with the TVOL (r = 0.080, P < 0.01). Non-iodized salt used in processed foods or diets when eating out had less effect on children’s iodine nutrition status. ConclusionIodized salt remains the primary source of daily iodine intake of SAC, and processed food has less effect on iodine nutrition. Therefore, for children, iodized salt should be a compulsory supplement in their routine diet.

Iodine status, impact of knowledge, and practice for adequate iodized salt utilization in house hold at North West Ethiopia.

Iodine is one of the crucial micronutrients required for the normal growth of humans from the fetal stage to adulthood through the synthesis of thyroxin (t3) and triiodothyronine (t4) hormones in the thyroid gland for regulation of metabolism, protein synthesis, and brain development. This study aimed to assess iodine status, the impact of knowledge and practice for adequate iodized salt utilization in household levels in North West Ethiopia. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out using multistage sampling among 1398 residents from 28 December 2021 to 30 January 2022. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. The collected data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and then exported to STATA/R version 14 for further analysis. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to declare statistical significance at p < 0.05. The overall mean (±SD) age of participants was 34.9 (±12.8) years. About 678 (48.5%) had 15-80 ppm, 23 (1.6%) had >80 ppm, 533 (38.13%) had 1.1 ppm to 14.9 ppm, and 147 (10.5) had no iodine in salt (0 ppm) after assessed by Rapid Test Kit. Only 48.5% of the sampled household had used adequate iodized salt with ≥15 ppm. The overall burden of goiter was estimated at 11.4/1000 population. Adequate iodized salt utilization was significantly associated with having formal education (adjusted odds ratio = 1.89: 95% confidence interval: 1.4, 2.6, p = 0.001), monthly income ≥5000 ETB/month (adjusted odds ratio = 1.99: 95% confidence interval: 1.5, 2.9, p = 0.001), and good knowledge score (adjusted odds ratio = 1.6: 95% confidence interval: 1.12, 2.6, p = 0.03) were predictors for proper iodized salt utilization. Coverage of adequately iodized salt was low and respondents' formal education, monthly income ≥5000 Ethiopian Birr/month, and good knowledge score were all significantly associated with proper iodized salt utilization. While the prevalence of goiter was not significantly identified as a public health problem as compared in the regions, however, in light of previous iodine deficiency in this region of Ethiopia, the salt iodization program should be done continually.

Impact of iodide ions on the speciation of radiolytic transients in molten LiCl-KCl eutectic salt mixtures.

The fate of fission-product iodine is critical for the deployment of next generation molten salt reactor technologies, owing to its volatility and biological impacts if it were to be released into the environment. To date, little is known on how ionizing radiation fields influence the redox chemistry, speciation, and transport of iodine in high temperature molten salts. Here we employ picosecond electron pulse irradiation techniques to elucidate for the first time the impact of iodide ions (I-) on the speciation and chemical kinetics of the primary radiation-induced transient radicals generated in molten chloride salt mixtures (eS- and Cl2˙-) as a function of temperature (400-700 °C). In the presence of I- ions (≥ 1 wt% KI in LiCl-KCl eutectic), we find that the transient spectrum following the electron pulse is composed of at least three overlapping species: the eS- and the Cl2˙- and ICl˙- radical anions, for which a deconvoluted spectrum of the latter is reported here for the first time in molten salts. This new transient spectrum was consistent with gas phase density functional theory calculations. The lifetime of the eS- was unaffected by the addition of I- ions. The newly observed interhalogen radical anion, ICl˙-, exhibited a lifetime on the order of microseconds over the investigated temperature range. The associated chemical kinetics indicate that the predominate mechanism of ICl˙- decay is via reaction with the Cl2˙- radical anion. The iodine containing product of this reaction is expected to be ICl2-, which will have implications for the transport of fission-product iodine in MSR technologies.

Iodine Deficiency of Breastfeeding Mothers and Infants from 2012 to 2019 in Zhengzhou, China

To investigate iodine status and characteristics of breastfeeding women and infants in Zhengzhou after the implementation of the new national standard of iodine in edible salt, so as to provide the basis for formulating prevention and control measures. Urine samples from 28,730 infants aged 0–2 years and 17,977 breastfeeding women who received preventive health care in 12 districts/cities of Zhengzhou from 2012 to 2019 were collected to measure urinary iodine concentration (UIC). A total of 350 pairs of unweaned infants and their mothers were included in this study. After the implementation of the new national standard of iodine in edible salt, the iodine deficiency of infants aged 0–2 years showed a trend of decreasing first and then increasing, but generally the iodine nutrition of infants aged 0–2 years was at the appropriate level in 8 years. There was a gradual decrease in iodine deficiency among breastfeeding women over an 8-year period. And the median UIC of breastfeeding women in 8 years was at iodine nutrition appropriate level. In addition, the UIC of breastfeeding mothers was positively associated with that of infants (r = 0.104, P = 0.004). After the implementation of the new national standard of iodine in edible salt, breastfeeding women and infants in Zhengzhou generally were at an appropriate level of iodine nutrition, and there was a significant positive correlation between the UIC of breastfeeding mothers and infants.

Availability of Adequately Iodized Salt Consumption and its Association with Socio-Economic Factors in Bangladesh

For normal physiologic functions, Iodine is necessary in small amount. It sanctions the thyroid gland to creates thyroid hormones, which is essential for mature and enlargement of the brain, body structures and central nervous system (CNS). In developing countries mental impediment and insufficient commercial performance are one of the results of iodine insufficiency issue. Globally, universal salt iodization has been executed to eradicate iodine insufficiency. However, the sufficiency of iodine in salts needs close observing to match its deliberated target. From this study,we find the adequately iodized salt consumption is associated with some demographic features such as, education, region, wealth index, access to mass-media etc. These findings are important for policy makers and Government as they should take necessary steps to increase the accession to education and media and also take realistic plan to increase the availability of adequately salt in Bangladesh. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 70(2): 1-7, 2022 (July)

Mechanism of development of residual goitre and associated thyroid disorders

In post salt iodination period, endemic goiter that generally develops for iodine deficiency is found prevalent in many regions, including India, despite adequate iodine intake. Such goiters are termed as residual goiters. Consumption of dietary goitrogens could be the possible regulator in the persistence of residual goitre and associated disorders. Residual goitres exist in Manipur, India for the consumption of bamboo shoots (BS). Therefore, to study the actions of BS on major thyroid hormone synthesizing regulatory factors at cellular and molecular levels on isolated thyrocytes conducted perusing expression of NIS, TPO, Tg and PDS proteins as well as mRNA and protein expression of NIS, TPO, Tg, PDS, MCT8 and PAX8 with and without extra iodine in in-vitro studies. Simultaneously, ROS generation in terms of H2O2 and antioxidant status, NO, LPO were assayed. Cellular and DNA damage and oxidation, including cell cycle alterations after BS exposure, were also investigated. Precursors and metabolic end products of cyanogenic glycosides on phytochemical analysis found in BS. It has pleiotropic effects on thyrocytes. It repressed the activities of Na+-K+-ATPase, TPO and D2, as well as reduced the expression of NIS, TPO, Tg, PDS proteins and MCT8 and PAX8, at mRNA level. All these effects of BS are mediated through increased ROS levels as H2O2 upsurge leading to a perturbed pro-oxidant antioxidant balance in thyrocytes associated with cellular and DNA damage and oxidation. Increased LPO and NO levels upon exposure of BS extract triggered plasma membrane and organelle damage of thyrocytes, which are major sites of NIS, TPO, PDS and MCT8, leading to thyroid disfunction. Cellular and DNA damage/oxidation was observed that leads to disruption of normal cell cycle pattern of thyrocytes which in turn causes changes in apoptotic proteins Bax, Bcl-2 and p53. These changes imply imbalance of cell death and proliferation equilibrium leading to disease conditions as found in goitre upon exposure to BS extract. Extra iodine prevents goitrogenic/anti-thyroid influences of BS on such actions to an extent. Thyroid diseases among residual goitrous population following consumption of BS evaluated by their iodine nutritional and salt iodization status, serumT3, T4 and TSH profiles, TPO- and Tg-Ab antibodies, thyroid ultrasonography, the prevalence of hypo- and hyperthyroidism and cytomorphological features. Goitrous populations are affected by subclinical and overt hypo- and hyperthyroidism with elevated thyroid autoantibodies, hypoechoic thyroid and thyroiditis. This study concludes that residual goitrous individuals are affected by different autoimmune thyroid disorders. Excess thiocyanate from dietary goitrogens of cyanogenic origin (BS) is responsible for the development of residual goitre followed by its progression towards different thyroid autoimmune disorders.

Определение содержания йода, йодидов и йодатов в пищевых продуктах

Currently iodine deficiency diseases are one of the most important medical and social problems. In this regard, the purpose of the study is to determine the content of iodine, iodides, iodates in iodized salt, drinking and mineral water, seaweed, to determine the stability of the iodine content in salt. For the qualitative determination of iodides and iodates ions in salts and molecular iodine in seaweed, an iodine starch reaction has been carried out. The presence of iodide ions in iodized water has been determined by reaction with silver nitrate and chlorine water, the iodine released has been extracted with chloroform. Quantitative determination of iodine in salt has been carried out by the titrimetric method, in water – by colorimetric method, in seaweed – by gravimetric method with subsequent titration. The study has found that iodized salt contains iodine in the form of potassium iodate, in an amount of 18.65 μg / g of elemental iodine, kelp contains molecular iodine in the amount of 8.12 μg / g of elemental iodine, and iodized water contains potassium iodide in the amount of 0.327 μg / ml of elemental iodine. The study has proved that over time, the amount of iodine in the salt iodized with potassium iodate decreases after a month by 5.6 times. In order to comply with the daily rate of iodine intake, it is necessary to include in your diet about 9.7 g of iodized salt, which exceeds the daily norm of its consumption in 5 g. In this regard, it is recommended to use iodized salt (not more than 5 g) or iodized water (0.7 L of water) or kelp (18.47 g) as a prevention of iodine deficiency.

Knowledge Regarding Benefits of Iodized Salt and Salt Preservation Practices among Home Makers of Selected Households at Kolar

Background: Iodine is an essential constituent for thyroid function &amp; necessary for normal growth, development, and well-being of all humans. And as per literatures, gap in the consumption of adequately iodized salt in community rural areas due to non-availability, poverty, poor knowledge of iodine deficiency diseases, and faulty storage practices. Objectives: to assess Knowledge regarding benefits of Iodized Salt and Salt Preservation Practices among Homemakers in Kolar. Settings and Design: Descriptive cross-sectional survey design using a structured self-administered questionnaire among 100 Homemakers of selected households at Kolar using a purposive sampling technique. Results: Majority of respondents (57%) Of participants are having inadequate knowledge, (43%) of participants are having moderate knowledge and none of the participants had adequate knowledge regarding benefits of Iodized salt. In salt preservation practices, (76%) are having good practices and (24%) participants are having Poor practices. Conclusion: An existing familiarity regarding benefits of iodized salt remained and without knowing its benefits majority were, consuming iodized salt. Hence, it is essential to educate &amp; provide awareness about homemakers through nutrition education or knowledge about benefits of Iodized Salt and salt preservation practices. Expected outcomes: Homemakers and the community will be the biggest beneficiary. Keywords: Iodine salt, Salt preservation, Practices, Homemakers

Salt Production and Availability of Iodized Salt in the Municipality of Sèmè-Kpodji in 2022

Background: Cooking salt is widely used to provide iodine to humans. In Benin, the production of salt is still artisanal. Our study focused on salt produced in Sèmè-Kpodji, a secondary site of local salt production in Benin, and on the availability of iodine in salt in this municipality. Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study included exhaustive salt producers and randomly selected households in Sèmè-Kpodji. Direct observation was made to describe salt production. In household, a standard questionnaire collected data about the physical characteristic of salt used. Iodine content was determined with the MBI kit and by the iodometric titration method. Results: A total of 8 producers and 365 participants in the households were surveyed. Salt is produced by drying sea water on tarps for three and a half days. The process is done in eight (8) steps, the last of which is the iodization of the product and the packaging. By iodometric titration, the salt produced had an iodine content of 5.2ppm. The mean content of iodine in salt in household was: 87.5 ± 66.0ppm (2.6-396.1). Only 31.2% of cooking salt samples were adequately iodized (15-40ppm). High iodine concentrations have been observed in 62.2% of salt samples. Conclusion: Salts consumed in households in Sèmè-Kpodji ’municipality were, for the most part, excessively iodized, whereas local production is artisanal and low in iodine. Iodization of the latter is mandatory before marketing. A monitoring of the salt iodization strategy should be maintained to avoid excessive iodine consumption which can cause hormonal disorders.

Iodine status, household salt iodine content, knowledge and practice assessment among pregnant women in Butajira, South Central Ethiopia.

Iodine is one of the crucial micronutrients needed by the human body, and is vitally important during pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the iodine status of pregnant women and their knowledge, and practices regarding iodized salt. All participants were enrolled in the Butajira nutrition, mental health and pregnancy (BUNMAP) cohort, Butajira, Ethiopia in February-May, 2019. In this cross-sectional study, 152 pregnant women without hypertension or known thyroid disease before or during pregnancy were randomly selected from the BUNMAP mother to child cohort (n = 832). Spot urine samples were collected to estimate the level of urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Salt samples were also collected from their homes. The Sandall-Kolthoff (S-K) method was used to measure the level of iodine in the urine samples, and iodometric titration was used to measure the level of iodine in the salt. Data was entered and cleaned using Epi-info version 3.5.3 and then exported to SPSS version 20 for further analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associations in the collected data. The WHO recommended level of iodine for populations of pregnant women is 150-249 F06Dg/L. The median UIC among pregnant women in this study was 151.2 μg/L [interquartile range (IQR) = 85.5-236.2 F06Dg/L], at the low end of this range. About half (49.65%) of the participants were likely to be iodine deficient. There was a significant association between having a formal job (AOR = 2.56; CI = 1.11-5.96) and iodine sufficiency. Based on a cutoff of >15 ppm (mg/kg), 91.7% (95% CI: 87.2-96.2) of the salts collected from the household had adequate iodine content. The median iodine level of the collected salt samples was 34.9 mg/kg (ppm) (IQR = 24.2-44.6 mg/kg). The UNICEF 2018 guidelines for adequate iodine nutrition in pregnant women include both a recommended median range of 150-249 μg/L, and an upper limit of 20% on the fraction of the population with UIC below 50 μg/L. Because our study population's median level is 151.2 μg/L and the percentage of pregnant women with urinary iodine concentration of less than 50 μg/L is 9.7% (14/145), the women received adequate iodine nutrition. The availability of adequately iodized salt in households is more than 90%, as recommended by WHO. In light of previous iodine deficiency in this region of Ethiopia, the salt iodization program promotes the health of babies and mothers.

Why Is There Iodine in Table Salt?

The human body is composed of many systems and organs that work together to ensure our well-being and survival. Hormones are the messengers that allow the organs to communicate. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that uses iodine from the diet (mainly present in seafood) to produce thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid hormones are very important for brain development, growth, and metabolism. A lack of iodine impairs the production of thyroid hormones, which can lead to mental disabilities. An excess of thyroid hormones is not good for us either, and may compromise many of the body’s functions. So, when it comes to hormones, “balance” is the keyword. In this article, you will learn the importance of thyroid hormones for human health.

A Computational Characterization of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diamine Iodine Dopant for Improving Power-Conversion Efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cells

The paper presents ongoing density-functional theory (DFT) computational support to research of hybrid perovskite solar cells to facilitate their understanding at molecular level. Very recently, doping by a iodine salt, namely 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diamine iodine BFBAI2, has been described that improves the power conversion efficiency and enhances device stability. As structural characteristics of BFBAI2 are not well known, they are supplied here through DFT calculations for both BFBAI2 monomer and dimer. The geometry optimizations are performed at the M06-2X/3-21G level, and energetics is refined with the M06-2X/Def2QZVP treatment. The dimerization potential-energy change is calculated as −6.2 kcal/mol. BFBAI2 exhibits highly non-uniform charge distribution, i.e., it is a clearly polar system that can strongly modulate surface conditions when adsorbed. The adsorption-energy gain for BFBAI2 on CsPbI3 perovskite is DFT evaluated as −13.2 kcal/mol.