Salt Iodization aims to eliminate public health problems caused by iodine deficiency disorders or IDDs. This type of food fortification is described as the addition of iodine in salt, the most common food preservative and flavoring agent consumed daily.
Iodine Deficiency Disorder is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies which results from insufficient iodine in the diet. Micronutrients like iodine are needed by the body in small amounts. And although necessary in minimal amounts, deficiency of these nutrients has negative effects on the body that can lead to life-threatening health conditions.
Prolonged inadequate intake of iodine leads to reduced intellectual and physical capacity which may manifest as goiter, mental retardation, hypothyroidism, physical and mental defects, and cretinism. In pregnant women, iodine deficiency may also result in abortion, stillbirth, and congenital anomalies among others.
According to the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) of DOST – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), surveyed pregnant women had insufficient iodine intake based on median UIC (Urinary Iodine Concentration) having 121 µg/L while other population groups indicate optimal iodine nutrition. Even so, iodine deficiency was still of public health concern among older persons, lactating mothers, and pregnant women. Results also showed that the proportion of households who were aware of iodized salt decreased from 71.5% in 2013 to 65.1%. Also, 6 out of 10 (61.6%) households have reported using iodized salt while 38.4% reported not using it.
With the prevalence of iodine deficiency and the consequences of IDD, the Philippine government passed Republic Act 8172 called the ASIN law. Through this act, all producers and manufacturers of food-grade salt are required to iodize the salt they produce, manufacture, import, trade or distribute. It also mandates the local government units (LGUs) to check and monitor the quality of food-grade salt being sold in their markets and retail stores to ensure its iodization.
Republic Act 8172, “An Act Promoting Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN) and For Related Purposes”, was signed into law on December 20, 1995 by former president Fidel. V. Ramos. It was commemorated following Executive Order 382 which echoed November 7 as the National Food Fortification Day. Through this yearly celebration, the production and consumption of fortified foods including salt are widely disseminated among Filipinos.
Eliminating iodine deficiency starts in the household. At times, food eaten is not enough to provide our needed iodine requirement. The use of iodized salt is helps improve iodine consumption. Let us continue to use, advocate, and promote iodized salt. Look for the Sangkap Pinoy Seal and Saktong Iodine sa Asin Seal when buying iodized salt. Use iodized salt to prevent simple goiter and other iodine deficiency disorders, but avoid excessive intake of salty foods
Written by: DMO II Mary Anne P. Padilla and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo
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