Iodized salt
Iodized Salt
Iodized salt (pronunciation: /ˈaɪ.ə.daɪzd ˈsɔːlt/) is table salt mixed with a minute amount of various salts of the element iodine. The ingestion of iodine prevents iodine deficiency. Worldwide, iodine deficiency affects about two billion people and is the leading preventable cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Etymology
The term "iodized salt" is derived from the element iodine which is added to the salt. Iodine (from the Greek word 'iodes' meaning violet) was discovered by French chemist Bernard Courtois in 1811. The process of adding iodine to salt began in the early 20th century to combat endemic goitre, a health problem caused by iodine deficiency.
Production
Iodized salt is produced by adding either potassium iodate or potassium iodide to salt. The process of iodization is typically done at the production stage, where a small amount of potassium iodate is sprayed onto the salt as it passes through a rotating drum. The iodate adheres to the salt crystals and is evenly distributed throughout the final product.
Health Benefits
Iodized salt is used to help reduce the incidence and severity of iodine deficiency disorders such as goitre and cretinism. Iodine is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which uses it to make thyroid hormones. These hormones control the body's metabolism and many other important functions. The body also needs thyroid hormones for proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy.
Related Terms
- Goitre: An abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland.
- Cretinism: A condition of severely stunted physical and mental growth due to untreated congenital deficiency of thyroid hormones.
- Thyroid gland: A butterfly-shaped organ located in the base of your neck, it releases hormones that control metabolism.
- Metabolism: The chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Iodized salt
- Wikipedia's article - Iodized salt
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