The importance of iodine in the salt

In Brazil, as in other countries, addition of iodine to table salt is mandatory. The iodization helps avoiding several health problems. In small daily quantities, the iodine bearing salt guarantees the daily allowance of iodine. 

Lack of iodine is the main cause of child brain damage. Its most common effect is low learning skill of affected children who have IQ levels from 10 to 15 points below healthy children. The most acute effect of iodine want is called cretinismus.