Salt Reduction and Iodine Fortification Policies Are Compatible: Perspectives for Public Health Advocacy.

Rigutto-Farebrother J., Zimmermann MB.

Cardiovascular diseases account for almost 18 million deaths annually, the most of all non-communicable diseases. The reduction of dietary salt consumption is a modifiable risk factor. The WHO recommends a daily sodium intake of <2000 mg but average consumption exceeds this in many countries globally. Strategies proposed to aid effective salt reduction policy include product reformulation, front of pack labelling, behavioural change campaigns and establishing a low-sodium-supportive environment. Yet, salt for household and processed food use is, in countries wholly or partially adopting a universal salt iodisation policy, the principal vehicle for population-wide iodine fortification. With salt reduction policies in place, there is concern that iodine deficiency disorders may re-emerge. Recognising the urgency to tackle the rising prevalence of NCDs yet not risk the re-emergence and detrimental effect of inadequate iodine intakes, this review lays out the feasibility of integrating both salt reduction and salt iodine fortification strategies. Reducing the burden of health risks associated with an excessive sodium intake or inadequate iodine through population-tailored, cost-effective strategies involving salt is both feasible and achievable, and represents an opportunity to improve outcomes in public health.

DOI

10.3390/nu16152517

Type

Journal article

Publication Date

2024-08-01T00:00:00+00:00

Volume

16

Keywords

fortification, iodine, public health, salt, sodium, Iodine, Humans, Sodium Chloride, Dietary, Food, Fortified, Public Health, Nutrition Policy, Cardiovascular Diseases, Diet, Sodium-Restricted

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