Laboratory evidence
Myth No. 1. Low iodine content in salt is not able to fight iodine deficiency.
In order to be based not on assumptions, you need to give a calculation. The daily intake of iodine for an adult is 150 mcg. The content of iodine in iodized salt produced by Russalt is 40.0±15 µg per gram of salt. With a maximum allowable salt intake of 10 grams, a person can get up to 400 micrograms of iodine per day. With the recommended salt intake of 5-6 grams, up to 200 mcg per day. Thus, it can be noted that salt in reasonable doses is an effective method of combating iodine deficiency. Its content in salt is harmoniously balanced, which makes the consumption of both iodine and salt itself moderate. Taking iodized salt instead of food, every person in Russia will be able to protect their health and the health of their loved ones.
Myth No. 2. Iodized salt smells bad, spoils the color and taste of food, and most of the iodine from it evaporates during storage
Modern salt iodization technologies make it possible to say with confidence that salt has no specific smell, does not spoil food and does not have a special taste. Previously, potassium iodide was used as an additive to salt, which really actively evaporated and gave a specific smell, at present potassium iodate is used. This is the difference, since potassium iodate is a more stable compound, which allows iodine not to evaporate from the pack as it is stored. As evidence, we present an experiment conducted by specialists from the production and chemical laboratory of Russalt.
For the experiment, we took a pack of iodized salt produced by Russalt with an iodine concentration of 40 μg per gram of salt and left it in the light. After 2 years, the iodine concentration decreased to 37mcg/g of salt. A pack with a shelf life of 9 months in the light also participated in the experiment. The concentration of iodine in this pack remained the same – 40mcg per gram of salt. Thus, even during long-term storage, salt practically does not lose its beneficial properties. We emphasize once again that salt produced by Russalt participated in the experiment; we cannot speak about the quality of another.
Myth No. 3. To keep all the beneficial properties of iodine in salt, it is better not to add it to hot dishes.
Indeed, many people believe that iodized salt is best used as a flavoring addition to cold dishes. Like, iodine evaporates from salt during heat treatment.
Considering it our duty to find out how temperature affects a solution containing iodized salt, we conducted an experiment.
Before the experiment, we determine the concentration of iodine in salt, which corresponds to GOST R 51575-2000 and is 42.32 µg/g. Then we dissolve 10 grams of iodized salt in 200 ml of water and boil on fire for 20 minutes. During this time, the liquid evaporates to a volume of 100 ml. After the solution has cooled down, we check the iodine content in the solution – 39.14 µg / g. For the purity of the experiment, we repeat the experiment again. The results are identical. Thus, we have proved that the boiling and heat treatment process does not significantly change the stable compound of potassium iodate. This means that iodized salt can be used on a par with regular salt, but with greater health benefits.
Myth No. 4. Iodine compounds used for salt iodization are toxic and can cause allergic reactions and even stomach ulcers.
Iodized salt contains iodate in very small amounts, which are non-toxic and cannot lead to allergies or peptic ulcers. Iodine content standards are regulated by the requirements of GOST R 51574-2000.
The assertion that potassium iodate is allegedly much more toxic than the iodide previously used is also unfounded. Potassium iodate has been recognized as a safe food supplement by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). European legislation allows the use of both iodate and potassium iodide.
Allergic reactions to iodine are caused by the local use of iodine-containing preparations – when disinfecting wounds or applying an iodine mesh, but not by any means the consumption of a dietary norm of iodine.
Myth No. 5. Iodized salt is a medicine that a doctor must prescribe
Iodized salt does not contain pharmacological doses of iodine and is a common food product. Salt enriched with iodine does not treat iodine deficiency diseases and does not require a medical prescription for use. Iodized salt is a food product suitable for regular consumption.
So, with the assistance of the production and chemical laboratory of Russalt, we were able to refute public opinions (myths) and convince us that the best way to prevent iodine deficiency is iodized salt of our production!