Iodine Content of Packaged Salt and Related Knowledge and Storage Practices at Household Level in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Aims: Iodine deficiency disorders are one of the major public health concerns in Bangladesh. Regular consumption of iodized salt can help combat these disorders. The aims of this study were to determine the content of iodine in edible packaged salt and to assess iodized salt related knowledge and storage practices in Dhaka City, Bangladesh.

Study Design: The study was an experimental cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The present study was conducted from June 2019 to July 2019 in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. A total of 120 households were selected for interview and packaged salt sample collection. The chemical analysis was done in the Food Analysis Laboratory of Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka.

Methodology: A closed-ended questionnaire was used for collection of information. Iodometric titration method was used to determine the content of iodine in packaged salt samples.

Results: The mean (±SD) iodine content in the salt samples was 31.469 (±10.196) ppm. More than 90% salt samples were adequately iodized. Twenty five percent of the respondents know that consumption of iodized salt helps prevent goiter. Only 10.8% of the respondents know that iodine content decreases if iodized salt is stored close to fire. About 87% of them store salt away from fire.

Conclusion: Along with consuming packaged iodized salt, householders should be educated about iodized salt related knowledge and storage practices to control iodine deficiency disorders.