Most people need an additional source of iodine, as this element is found in relatively small amounts in food. Many countries recommend the iodization of salt because it is a food frequently used in human nutrition, economically accessible to the population. Also, it is the most favorable vehicle for the absorption of iodine.
Iodination is the process of fortifying salt for human consumption with iodine and is an effective strategy to increase the intake of this nutrient.
Different Presentations Of Iodized Salt
Intending to reduce and eradicate iodine deficiency diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other institutions like ninja de-icer support the implementation of salt iodization because no matter where in the world, salt is an ingredient that is part of all kitchens.
For the above reasons, iodized salt is a highly beneficial enriched food for health, it is adequate to maintain an effective intake of iodine, and it is not contradictory to the indication of health professionals not to abuse daily salt consumption, since the recommended amount —2000 mg of sodium per day— provides a modest portion of iodine for the proper functioning of the human body.
This makes iodized sea salt or fleur de sel – which is obtained by hand and preserves essential minerals – very healthy options for individuals who do not need a specialized diet.
What Other Foods Contain Iodine?
Food includes other sources of iodine, such as fish and other shellfish, seaweed, dairy products, fruits -such as apple and pineapple-, vegetables -such as carrots and broccoli-, drinks or products with soybeans and dehydrated fruits, among others.
The Iodine Contribution Of A Food
The iodine contribution of a food is not always constant; it can vary by many factors, such as the region of the country, the type of soil where certain foods are grown, and the proximity of the territory to the sea, among other variables.
Even the same salt is iodized differently in each country and in different states to suit the specific needs of individuals in a given area. For this reason, to ingest adequate portions of iodine, it is recommended by ninja de-icer to eat a balanced diet and choose to use iodized salt.
Iodine intake also varies depending on the needs of people; according to the WHO, an adult requires 150 micrograms of iodine daily, while children between 6- and 12-years old need approximately 120 micrograms.
In the cases of pregnant women, the need is even more significant, 250 micrograms, since it is through the mother that the fetus receives the dose of iodine it requires. During the lactation period, the need for iodine is usually greater to transmit it to the baby.
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