Iodine is an essential mineral which is commonly found in seawater and soil.  It is useful for brain development and prevention of thyroid disease like goiter. Common sources of iodine are seafoods, table salt, dairy, tuna, and eggs. 

Table salt is one of the common sources of iodine if it is fortified. However, some salt contains less or no iodine at all. Some manufacturers don’t fortify their salt with iodine or if fortified, these iodine were lost throughout the transporting, storage and cooking process. That is why, extra care must be done during those processes.

To check on the iodine content of table salts, the iodine checker machine can be used to measure the quantity of iodine content based on a colorimetric method.

Below are the processes on how to check on iodine content of table salts.

Step 1. Calibrate the Iodine Checker Machine.  Calibration before the use of the machine must be done to ensure accurate results.

Step 2. Fill the glass tube with distilled water until 25 mL.

Step 3. Once calibrated, get a spoonful of salt samples using the spoon provided in the machine set. Put it in the tube.

Step 4. Cover the tube and shake to dissolve the salt.

Step 5. Put 2 mL each of solution A and B. Make sure you use separate pipette to prevent the solutions from mixing up and not to contaminate the solution bottles.

Step 6. Cover the tube and shake. Then add distilled water until it reaches 50 mL. Cover the tube again and shake.

Step 7. Pipe mixed solution into the clear cell (clear square glass) . Fill until full.

Step 8. Wipe the cell for any spillage of solution. Then put in the machine. Cover and read the iodine content directly on the machine’s LCD. A reading of 30-70 part per million is considered standard level. Below 30 is considered insufficient iodine level.

It is encouraged that LGUs should procure this machine to monitor the iodine content of salt distributed into their markets and stores as embodied by RA 8172 or the Act Promoting Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN) Law. This also ensures that the community is consuming iodized salt and to help prevent iodine deficiency.

By: DMO II Angel T. Sorano