Iodine deficiency is the world’s most prevalent, yet easily preventable, cause of brain damage. Salt, the unlikely ingredient, holds the key

by Werner Schultink and Marc Van Ameringen for the Guardian

You might not expect nutrition experts to name salt as a crucial weapon in the fight against global malnutrition. In fact, salt is the best vehicle we have to tackle iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), the world’s most common cause of brain damage.

The most visible sign of IDD is goitre. Goitre is just the visible tip of the iceberg. The “hidden” effects of IDD are severe and life limiting. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can result in stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, and congenital abnormalities such as cretinism, a severe and irreversible form of mental retardation.

Its impact lasts for a lifetime, reducing a child’s ability to learn, to earn a living and to live a healthy life. In aggregate, chronic iodine deficiency leads to a reduction in intelligence quotient of 12.5-13.5 points. Yet, just a teaspoon of iodine spread over a lifetime is enough to prevent these debilitating consequences.

Iodine can be gained naturally from the consumption of some seafood as well as meat and vegetables that have been grown in iodine-rich soil. However, the iodine content of soil is insufficient in large parts of the world.

Added: 05.05.2015