10 gms of iodized salt provides .......... µg of iodine.

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:
The correct answer is 150 µg, which is derived from the internationally recognized minimum standard for adequate salt iodization. To combat Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) globally, organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend that salt for human consumption should be fortified to contain an iodine concentration in the range of 15 to 40 parts per million (ppm). In this context, 15 ppm represents the minimum required level for salt to be considered adequately iodized for public health purposes. Since 1 ppm is equivalent to 1 microgram (µg) of iodine per gram (g) of salt, the minimum standard is 15 µg of iodine per gram of salt. The question asks for the iodine content in 10 grams of iodized salt. By applying the minimum international standard for adequate iodization, the calculation is 10 grams multiplied by 15 µg of iodine per gram of salt, which precisely equals 150 µg of iodine. Universal salt iodization is considered the most cost-effective global strategy to eliminate iodine deficiency, which is the leading preventable cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Therefore, understanding the target fortification levels is essential for home science and public health students.

The incorrect option is 2:
The option of 100 µg would imply an iodine concentration of only 10 µg per gram of salt, since 10 grams \* 10 µg/g = 100 µg. This concentration falls below the internationally accepted minimum standard of 15 µg/g (or 15 ppm) set by health organizations like WHO and UNICEF for universal salt iodization. Salt containing only 10 µg/g would be classified as inadequately iodized. Continued consumption of such salt in areas with widespread iodine deficiency would likely fail to prevent IDD in the population, particularly among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and young children. Although some salt samples might test lower than the standard due to poor storage or manufacturing, the correct answer for a general knowledge question on adequately iodized salt should refer to the established public health guideline. Therefore, 100 µg is incorrect because it is based on a non-standard, insufficient level of iodine.

The incorrect option is 3:
A value of 120 µg would mean the salt has an iodine concentration of 12 µg per gram (10 grams \* 12 µg/g = 120 µg). Similar to the previous option, 12 µg/g is less than the minimum concentration of 15 µg/g required to classify salt as adequately iodized according to global public health standards. While it is closer to the minimum threshold than 10 µg/g, it still represents a deficient level of fortification. The effectiveness of the salt iodization program hinges on ensuring that the salt consumed by the majority of the population meets at least the 15 ppm threshold. A fortification level of 12 µg/g would not provide the necessary amount of iodine to cover the daily recommended intake when accounting for storage losses and variations in salt consumption. Hence, this figure does not reflect the standard minimum level required for a public health intervention.

The incorrect option is 4:
The option of 80 µg would be the result of an even lower fortification level, specifically 8 µg of iodine per gram of salt (10 grams \* 8 µg/g = 80 µg). This concentration of 8 µg/g is significantly lower than the recommended minimum of 15 µg/g. Such a low level of iodine would be considered poorly iodized and highly inadequate for disease prevention. It might indicate a failure in the salt processing or quality control stages, as effective fortification aims for the 15-40 ppm range. In a region endemic for IDD, consuming salt with such a low iodine content would offer minimal protection to the population. Therefore, 80 µg is an incorrect answer as it is far outside the concentration range established by health guidelines for salt meant to prevent iodine deficiency.