Iodine in Table Salt in the Aseer Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia

Background: Iodine, a micronutrient that plays a significant role in thyroid hormone synthesis, is essential for normal neurological development. Universal Salt Iodization is a plan advocated by the WHO to ensure sufficient iodine intake by all individuals. No accurate data was available about household coverage with iodized salt and salt iodization adequacy in the Aseer region, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Objectives: To estimate the proportion of households consuming iodized salt in the Aseer region, southwestern Saudi Arabia, and assess salt iodization’s adequacy. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study on a stratified proportional allocation sample. The household of each child was requested to bring a teaspoonful of table salt consumed in their kitchen. The salt samples were taken in standard, small, self-sealed plastic bags. The Iodine concentration of salt was determined spectrophotometrically. Results: The study included 3038 samples of table salt. Insufficient iodized table salt samples (less than 15 ppm based on the WHO/UNICEF ICCIDD classification) were observed in 22.3% (95% CI: 20.8% – 23.8%) of the samples. Similarly, insufficient iodized table salt samples (less than 70 ppm based on Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization “SASO” classification) were observed in 75.7% (95% CI: 74.1% – 77.2%) of the study samples. The present study showed that rural areas significantly had higher insufficient table salt samples than urban areas. Conclusions: The study showed that the use of insufficient iodized salt in the region is still common. The accessibility of iodized salt can be achieved through iodized salt’s marketing and sales. Authorities in the Aseer region should play an influential role in forbidding non-iodized salt in the local markets in the Aseer region. Key words: Iodine; Table salt; Saudi Arabia