IODINE’S ADEQUACY ASSESSMENT IN SAMPLES OF REFINED SALT AND COARSE SALT MARKETED IN OURO PRETO-MG, BRAZIL

Abstract

Introduction: Salt iodization has been recommended as the primary public health measure for prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), due to its safe application and satisfactory cost-benefit ratio (ou results). . Under Brazilian law, salt for human consumption should contain iodine in the proportion of 20mg to 60mg per kilogram of product. Thus, continuous monitoring and surveillance is needed to keep the level of iodine in salt within these limits. Objective: Iodization was assessed in samples of refined salt and rock salt in Ouro Preto-MG, Brazil. Material and Methods: Sixty-six samples from 16 different brands were collected; 40 of which were refined salt and 26, rock salt. As indicated in the Analytical Standards of the Adolfo Lutz Institute, iodine concentration was measured using a standard solution of sodium thiosulfate in triplicate samples. Results: Statistical analysis on the type of salt and on iodine concentration in the samples indicated that 7.5% of the refined salt samples, 53.85% of rock salt samples and 25.76% of all salt samples did not meet the Brazilian legislative requirements. Conclusion: Compared to previous studies, iodine levels in refined salt samples indicate improvement in the salt iodization monitoring, which is considered an effective public health action to prevent and control IDDs. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12957/demetra.2015.13481

Keywords

• iodo, sal, legislação