Efficacy and Safety of Iodine Fortification

Iodine deficiency causes multiple adverse effects through the life cycle. These are collectively termed the iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs). Although there has been substantial progress in many countries to control IDD, it remains a common cause of goiter and preventable mental impairment worldwide. In nearly all iodine-deficient countries, the best strategy to control IDD is salt iodization. Iodized salt programs have been successfully and sustainably implemented in many countries worldwide and have shown consistent high efficacy against IDD. However, introduction of iodized salt to iodine-deficient populations may transiently increase the incidence of several thyroid disorders, and iodine programs should include monitoring for both iodine deficiency and excess. Overall, the relatively small risks of iodine excess are far outweighed by the substantial risks of iodine deficiency.