Iodine Overdose Risks

Iodine, an important mineral for thyroid health, was found to be insufficient in natural supply from food consumption in Nepal. This resulted in iodine deficiency in the mass scale which led to health problems like goitre and hypothyroidism. These problems arise when the thyroid gland is not functioning properly. Adequate iodine supply is needed for the body to ensure smooth working of the thyroid which is responsible for producing vital hormones that plays its role in the repair of tissues, metabolism regulation and overall growth of the body. Presence of natural iodine in soil and sand makes food items and water iodine-rich. But if the level of iodine in nature is low, it results in insufficient iodine content in food items. The main cause of iodine deficiency in Nepali populace is that soil and sand in this country contains low level of iodine mineral. Large number of goitre cases had something to do with low iodine contents in the soil sand and spring water. In order to tackle the iodine deficiency at the mass scale, distribution of prepared iodine was arranged by adding the mineral in the common salt to be supplied in the market. It was a good supply intervention to make sure that everybody got good supply of iodine to deal with the deficiency. But this arrangement was not free from problem. 

Health experts now say that higher doses of iodised salt have created new health hazard as over consumption of salt resulted in iodine overdose too. Just as over use of salt in food items has led to occurrence of risky non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, cardiac complications and kidney ailments, iodine over consumption has its own risks to health. Medical experts say that iodine overdose attached with the over use of iodised salt has triggered health problem such as thyroid dysfunction which adversely affects the brain and the nervous system. Over use of salt is blamed for heart problems and high blood pressure and doctors advise people to avoid fast food that contain too much salt and other flavouring additives and sweeteners. In many people, there is the tendency of overusing salt even in the items prepared at home kitchens. Here, the focus is on adding taste for the palate rather than considering the associated health risks. Nepali kitchens commonly prepare more than one item such as pickle, sauce, curry and daal soup that contain salt. Such items lead to over consumption of salt if its use is not kept in low dose in health-conscious manner.  

To tackle the health issues invited by over use of salt and consequently, iodine overdose, health experts have suggested reducing iodine content in kitchen salt. At the same time it is also important to make people aware that the use of salt should be kept at the minimum for health reasons. What should be kept in mind is that salt in Nepal was iodised to deal with iodine deficiency and this move was bringing good results. The new problem surfaced only due to over use of salt. Experts say that use of iodised salt in moderation is essential. Iodised salt is not harmful but its over use is. The government is going to review the issue to decide what can be right content of iodine to be added in the salt. Reasonably reduced amount may be desirable.