Determination of Iodine Content of Different Brands of Edible Iodized Salts Available in Kabul City, Afghanistan

Abstract

Salt is an excellent carrier of iodine since it is consumed by all community members at approximately consistent, well-defined levels, regardless of socio-economic condition. Iodine is an essential micronutrient of thyroid glands for average growth and mental development. Iodine deficiency is a common problem in some parts, especially in mountainous fields of Afghanistan, and causes specific diseases. One of the essential ways to prevent Iodine deficiency disease is to fortify edible salt with iodine. This research aims to find out how much iodine was in various brands of edible table salts sold at the retailer level in various Kabul shopping centers. This cross-sectional research was performed from 15 July to 15 August 2023. The iodometric titration method determined Iodine in salt samples—23 different brands. We have found 39% of selected samples that are not standard in amount of iodine content. Also, marked samples were found to be 17% without iodine, and 43% had a sufficient amount of iodine. Determination of iodine content in salt samples showed that more than 50% of the powdered samples don’t have adequate iodine content (15 ppm and above). That means advice on powdered salt use does not ensure the proper iodine intake.