WHY DOES OUR SALT HAVE IODINE?

                It may be information that has already gone unnoticed on the salt packaging that has passed through your hands, but salt in Brazil has an important function beyond salting. Our salt is iodized, that is, it has iodine added.

                But what is IODINE for?

               Iodine is an important mineral for physical and mental development.

                A lack of iodine in a pregnant woman's body can cause miscarriage or affect the formation of the baby's brain. It can also cause mental disabilities, delay children's growth and harm their ability to learn. Later, a lack of iodine in the diet for a long time causes an enlargement of the thyroid gland, a disease known as goiter or “goiter”.

                Foods that contain iodine are: sea foods, such as fish and shellfish; vegetables, fruits and vegetables grown on land close to the sea, that is, foods little consumed by the general population, which is why the addition of iodine to salt was adopted.

                The addition of iodine to salt was adopted in the 1950s as a strategy to reduce goiter, a disease caused by iodine deficiency in the body. However, the amount of nutrient addition has been revised over the years due to changes in Brazilians' eating patterns, as excess of this nutrient also harms health. The measure was taken based on research that reveals that the Brazilian population has an iodine level higher than that recommended by World Health Organization (WHO).

                The new values also follow the guidance of the Ministry of Health, which has been monitoring the salt consumption profile in Brazil. The range of variation of iodine in salt will vary from 15 mg/kg to 45 mg/kg; currently the range is 20 to 60 mg/kg.

                Tips for using iodized salt:

• When purchasing salt, check whether it is iodized and whether it is within its expiration date.

• Store iodized salt in its packaging, in a closed container, always in a cool, ventilated place, away from heat and humid places. Do not store salt in the refrigerator.