Iodine content of various salt samples sold in Mangalore--a coastal city with endemic goitre.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Iodine deficiency disorders continue to be high despite ban on sale of non-iodised salt. In order to assess the effectiveness of salt iodisation programme, a study was undertaken to assess the iodine content of salt samples sold in Mangalore. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred salt samples were randomly collected from shops in Mangalore and iodine content measured using MBI iodine testing kits. RESULTS: Only 39 samples had adequate iodine of 15 ppm or more. There was a statistically significant difference in the salt samples with adequate content in rural versus urban areas (46.6% and 27.5%, respectively, with p < 0.05). Branded samples had significantly higher iodine content than non-branded salt (p < 0.05). Salt sold at Rs.2/- per kg had significantly lower iodine content than the salt sold at Rs.3-4/- per kg (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Salt iodisation programme is poorly implemented in Mangalore probably due to improper iodisation, inadequate storage, hot and humid weather conditions and lack of public awareness. Public education and education of shop owners regarding their role in prevention of iodine deficiency disorders may be of value in this direction.