Vietnam listed among 19 iodine-deficient countries

A 2013-2014 report by the National Hospital
of Endocrinology showed that goiter (neck swelling from enlarged thyroid) rate
among children aged 8-10 was 9.8 percent while the coverage of household iodized
salt consumption was nearly 60 percent.

Meanwhile, its 2000-2010 study pointed out
that food grown naturally in the country held an inconsiderable amount of
iodine that can’t meet body demand. Only 6 percent of respondents said they use
iodized salt while 75 percent of the remaining season their food with fish
sauce and other seasonings.

Before 2005, Vietnam conducted a national
target programme on iodine addition. However, after iodine deficiency was
eliminated, regulations on compulsory use of iodine were removed so iodine
consumption slumped suddenly. The lack of a national target programme on goitre
prevention and control or State funding to mix iodine into salt also made
people switch to using non-iodised seasonings.

The NIN said a governmental decree on adding
micro-nutrients into food took effect in March 15, 2017 but it was ignored by
most firms.

Do Hong Phuong, nutrition policy expert from
UNICEF said among 130 countries that enforce use of iodine, 69 required iodized
salt be used in processed food.

She said adding micro-nutrients into food
only costs 0.06 USD per person per year, and urged food processors to raise
their sense of social responsibility.

The NIN warned that iodine deficiency will
lead to goitre, mental retardation, miscarriages and brain damage in the fetus
and infants.

The recommended dietary allowance of iodine
is 90-120 mcg per day for children and 150 mcg per day for adults. Sea fish,
seaweed, amaranth and watercress are all rich in iodine.-VNA