Center for Analytical Sciences, Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2022 Aug;1514(1):166-173. doi: 10.1111/nyas.14793. Epub 2022 May 25.
Iodine is an essential trace element required for the regulation of physiological processes involving the thyroid gland. However, inadequate and excessive intake of iodine are responsible for health problems, such as iodine deficiency disorders, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, thyroid papillary cancer, and thyrotoxicosis. The Universal Salt Iodization (USI) program has become successful in providing supplemental iodine at the population level globally. Packaging quality, fortification level, and transportation and storage conditions of iodized salt determine the availability of iodine. Previous studies have reported severe health issues caused by excessive iodine intake after the implementation of the USI program. To understand the levels of iodine, we collected 2117 household salt samples from seven districts of Nepal and tested them for iodine content; among them, 98.1% were iodized. Overall median concentration of iodine was 53.9 ppm (range: 43.5-61.4 ppm). The majority (67.2%) of samples had iodine in the range of 45-75 ppm. Approximately 0.9% of samples had inadequate, 13.3% contained adequate, and 83.9% had excessive iodine than the World Health Organization-recommended value. Iodine content varied among the sampling districts and seasons, to some extent. Our study confirmed that iodized salt is widely used in Nepal and is excessively iodized. Excessive intake of iodine through iodized salt requires further attention by policy makers. The iodine level may need adjustment to address the health impact.
碘是一种必需的微量元素，参与甲状腺调节生理过程。然而，碘摄入不足或过量会导致健康问题，如碘缺乏病、甲状腺功能减退症、甲状腺功能亢进症、甲状腺炎、甲状腺乳头状癌和甲状腺毒症。全球范围内的普遍食盐碘化 (USI) 项目已成功地在人群层面提供补充碘。包装质量、强化水平、碘盐的运输和储存条件决定了碘的可用性。先前的研究报告了在实施 USI 项目后，由于碘摄入过量而导致的严重健康问题。为了了解碘的水平，我们从尼泊尔的七个地区收集了 2117 户家庭盐样并检测其碘含量；其中 98.1%是碘盐。总体中位数碘浓度为 53.9 ppm（范围：43.5-61.4 ppm）。大多数（67.2%）样本的碘含量在 45-75 ppm 范围内。约 0.9%的样本碘含量不足，13.3%的样本碘含量适当，83.9%的样本碘含量超过世界卫生组织推荐值。不同采样地区和季节的碘含量存在一定差异。我们的研究证实，碘化盐在尼泊尔广泛使用且碘含量过高。通过碘化盐摄入过量的碘需要政策制定者进一步关注。可能需要调整碘水平以应对健康影响。
