Survey on salt iodine content at household level of Chidambaram, Cuddalore district, Tamilnadu

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Around 43% of the population does not consume adequate amounts of iodine which make them vulnerable to physical and mental disorder. UNICEF estimates that less than 20% of households in the developing world were using iodized salt in the early 1990s, and by 2000, the average had jumped to some 70%. By 2006, around 120 countries were implementing salt iodization programs.

Objective: 1.To estimates the salt iodine content at the household level. 2. To find out the iodine level in different types of salt.

Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study in the age group of 6-18 years old school going children was done in randomly selected higher secondary school from our medical college field practicing area. The present study was conducted in Cuddalore District of Tamilnadu State. The district is located in northern part of Tamilnadu State.

Results: Out of 1668 salt samples tested, 88.67% of the samples were adequately iodized (>15ppm) and 6.11% of the samples are iodized but not at the recommended level (<15ppm). Nearly 80% of the crystal salts and 98% of the powder salts are adequately iodized.

Conclusion: The present study indicates that the iodine content of salt found adequate at household level.

Key words: Iodine, Salt, Chidambaram, School children.