Facts About Iodized Salt

Rock salt and sea salt have the same chemical formula as sodium chloride. Recently, there has been widespread publicity about the consumption of sea salt and rock salt. This document highlights the  disadvantages of unrefined sea salt and rock salt and increasing risk of iodine deficiency disorders.

This study was performed by using guidelines and results of national and international researches.

Hypertension: All types of salts, pink or white, and fine or coarse crystals; have equal sodium content and nutritional value of sea salt, which is considered natural salt, is the same as that of refined iodized salt.Sodium in salt is the main cause of hypertension. Therefore, the notion that natural salt or sea salt is useful for treating hypertension has no scientific basis.Carcinogenic effect: Heavy metals and industrial chemical substances which enter waters of the oceans and seas are mixed with sea salt and rock salt and can cause some cancers in the body.Three decades ago most of the provinces faced moderate to severe iodine deficiency. Studies by Iranian researchers have shown severe complications of iodine deficiency, including growth retardation, hearing impairment and decreased IQ in children living in mountains of the country. By producing iodized salt refined by salt factories and the public consumption of iodized salt, iodine deficiency disorders have been controlled in the country since the early 1970s.

It is suggested that all members of the community use purified iodized salt in recommended levels.