The incidence of iodine deficiencies is not uniform, being correlated not only with the socio-economic level of the population, but also with the richness of the mineral in the subsoil, in water and in food.
and other iodine deficiency pathologies "). The text of this regulation provides for the" adoption of measures to promote the consumption of iodine-enriched salt throughout the national territory. In fact, enriched salt prophylaxis has been considered - with good reason - the simplest and cheapest method of preventing iodine deficiencies.
Before the entry into force of these rules, in Italy about 6 million people suffered from goiter, or more than 10% of the population, so much so that the economic impact of this disease reached 150 million euros / year. Fortunately, these were and continue to be mostly mild or moderate nutritional deficiencies, so much so that the most serious forms of iodine deficiency disorders have now disappeared from our country.
- The availability of salt fortified with iodine must be ensured in all food salt outlets;
- The common salt must be supplied only upon specific request of the consumer;
- Use of iodine-enriched salt in collective catering and in the production of food products.
The first data relating to the efficacy of iodoprophylaxis on the Italian territory were not exciting, although there was a significant percentage drop (5.49% in 2008 vs 6.25% in 2004) in the neonatal population with TSH values> 5 mIU / L at birth. From these first data it clearly emerges that the national iodoprophylaxis programs need a renewed work of information / awareness of the inhabitants on the benefits deriving from the use of iodized salt.
For more information and more updated data, please refer to the website of the body responsible for evaluating the efficacy and efficiency of iodoprophylaxis in Italy: https://www.epicentro.iss.it/iodio/sian-Osnami
, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These play a critical role in cell differentiation, particularly in the development of the central nervous system in the early stages of life, and contribute to the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis during adulthood.
The nutritional deficiency of iodine compromises the thyroid function and results in morbid pictures whose manifestations vary according to the period of life concerned makes this deficit. Although an insufficient intake of iodine can cause problems at all stages of life, it is extremely important that pregnant and lactating women, and children under the age of 3, take in sufficient quantities of iodine.
This is because severe iodine deficiency during fetal and newborn development leads to irreversible damage to the brain and central nervous system, resulting in permanent mental retardation. Even mild iodine deficiencies, such as those found in our country, if left untreated can lead to minor intellectual deficits.
The hypothyroid goiter represents the most widespread manifestation of the nutritional deficiency of iodine in our territory.
, iodine-enriched salt instead of common salt. In addition to the one already supplied with the diet, each gram of enriched salt provides us with 30 micrograms of iodine more (i.e., in the case of an adult, 1/5 of what is needed every day). It is however necessary, at the same time, to reduce the usual consumption of salt, since high sodium intake increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, mainly through the increase in blood pressure.
The best thing to do is to always use iodine-enriched salt, bearing in mind that we should halve our salt consumption (which currently corresponds on average to about 10 g per day) to reach a compromise between satisfying taste, prevention of the risks associated with excess sodium and effective prevention of iodine deficiencies.
