–Consumption of iodized salt decreases from 89.1% to 57.6%–
Since 1990, Mongolia has focused on monitoring, tracking, and preventing iodine deficiency disorders in the population by iodizing salt for food consumption. During this period, a national program of salt iodization to eliminate iodine-deficiency disorders has been implemented three times. As a result, since 1995, the consumption of iodized salt steadily increased, reaching 89.1 percent by 2010. However, since 2017, this rate has gradually decreased, and it was found last year that only 57.6 percent of households are now using iodized salt.
Experts have stated that this decline in usage poses a significant risk of increasing iodine deficiency-related diseases. Specifically, two out of three people (71 percent) suffering from thyroid disorders were found to have iodine deficiency as the underlying cause. Among those aged 40 to 49, iodine deficiency-related thyroid disorders were the most prevalent, affecting 65.2 percent of individuals. This condition accounted for 5.5 percent of all thyroid disorders, according to Mongolia’s Sixth National Nutrition Survey. This survey, conducted every five years, was published by the National Center for Public Health (NCPH) last year. Given the significant decrease in iodized salt consumption and the rising trend of related disorders, NCPH has warned that immediate actions from the government are required.
Thyroid disease increased among population
E.Purevsuren, the Head of the Food and Nutrition Safety Department at NCPH, provided insights into the reasons behind the decline in iodized salt consumption and the measures that need to be taken. E.Purevsuren explained, “It’s good that people are reducing their salt intake, but according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is recommended that adults consume no more than five grams of salt per day. It’s crucial that this salt is iodized. Since 1996, Mongolia has been implementing a program to combat iodine deficiency disorders by iodizing salt, which has become a widely consumed product. However, recent surveys show that iodized salt consumption has steadily declined in recent years. People have started using more locally sourced salts like lake salt, mountain salt, and rock salt. If these salts are not iodized, it can have negative health effects. Our country is landlocked, and the consumption of iodine-rich, sea-based food products is limited. As a result, it is essential to continue using iodized salt in our diets.”
“Research conducted with the support of the Science and Technology Fund shows that iodine deficiency-related thyroid diseases are on the rise. For example, thyroid gland dysfunction and other related diseases that were once common in the 1990s are becoming more widespread. If the consumption of iodized salt continues to decline, there is a risk that thyroid enlargement disorders will increase among adolescents,” further stated. E.Purevsuren also mentioned that since 2020, the case of thyroid disease has increased and the extent to which this is linked to iodine deficiency needs to be further clarified and studied.
Iodine is an essential mineral found in food, and it plays a critical role in the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones are vital for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. Iodine is also necessary for fetal and neonatal development and brain function. In other words, the thyroid gland, which produces these hormones, plays a major role in regulating metabolic processes, making iodine indispensable for human health.
Research also reveals that the average iodine levels in the urine of pregnant women are significantly lower than the recommended levels set by WHO, indicating a high risk of iodine deficiency. The findings from the earlier survey revealed that iodine deficiency is widespread, and more research is needed to understand the full scope of its impact. Additionally, the average iodine levels in the urine of school children have decreased by 144.6 micrograms per liter compared to previous surveys, signaling the need for urgent intervention.
Experts pointed out that iodine deficiency varies across different regions in Mongolia. The iodine content in soil and water directly impacts the iodine levels in food consumed by the population, which in turn affects public health. For instance, iodine deficiency is less common in the eastern regions, such as Dornogovi and Dundgovi provinces, but more prevalent in the western regions. In the western and central regions, the average iodine content in household salt was recorded at 13.3 mg/kg, while in the central and eastern regions, it ranged from 15.6 to 20.6 mg/kg. In contrast, the iodine content in salt used by residents of Ulaanbaatar was found to be 13.2 mg/kg, which is half the level observed in 2010 and 2017 surveys.
The use of non-iodized salt has increased, with the number of households using non-iodized salt rising by 11.4 percent compared to the 2017 survey. If this trend continues, the population will face a growing risk of iodine deficiency, leading to thyroid disorders and other health complications. Therefore, experts stress the need to expand the use of iodized salt in households across the country.
Given the serious health risks associated with iodine deficiency, experts are urging the government to take immediate action. They recommend implementing stricter monitoring systems to ensure that iodized salt is used in schools, kindergartens, and public catering facilities. These actions will help prevent iodine deficiency-related health issues, particularly among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children.
Iodine deficiency reduces cognitive abilities by 10-15%
Iodine deficiency occurs when the human body does not receive an adequate amount of iodine. Unfortunately, it is difficult to meet the required iodine intake solely through food. Therefore, the most effective solution is to consume iodized salt. However, it is concerning that the consumption of iodized salt has decreased among the population, especially in rural areas. Additionally, the lack of public awareness and information on the matter could lead to harmful consequences, as revealed by survey.
As mentioned earlier, iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. A deficiency can lead to various thyroid disorders and can also cause serious problems for pregnant women and fetuses, such as congenital disabilities, intellectual impairments, miscarriages, and premature births. For this reason, doctors recommend that pregnant and lactating women consume 220 to 290 micrograms of iodine daily.
Mongolia has implemented national programs and even passed a law to iodize salt, which successfully reduced iodine deficiency disorders by three times. However, in 2019, the law passed in 2003 to prevent iodine deficiency through iodized salt was repealed. With the legal framework no longer in place, iodine consumption in the population has decreased, exacerbating future health risks. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on implementing the Food Fortification Regulations and ensuring it is actively carried out.
It is now more necessary than ever to monitor whether schools, kindergartens, and public catering facilities are using “fake” salt and to increase the usage of iodized salt. Otherwise, there is a growing risk that iodine deficiency will affect the overall population, from fetal development in the womb to brain development and physical health in children. Countries like Japan, Switzerland, and the United States have successfully eliminated iodine deficiency in their populations and serve as excellent examples to follow.
Global studies have shown that iodine deficiency can reduce cognitive abilities by 10 to 15 percent. The goal set by the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) was for Mongolia to be free from iodine deficiency disorders by 2000. However, Mongolia is now finding itself back in the position of needing to explain why iodine is essential.
In addition to iodizing salt, efforts were made to iodize eggs and clean water, but the supply remains insufficient, and demand continues to be low. This is largely because the population has stopped paying attention to iodine’s importance. The United Nations has cautioned that this casual attitude could lead to widespread iodine deficiency, urging both domestic and imported salt to be iodized and incorporated into daily diets.
In conclusion, while reducing salt intake is important for health in general, using iodized salt is essential to prevent iodine deficiency and its associated health risks. If the current trend of declining iodized salt consumption continues, Mongolia may see a rise in iodine deficiency-related thyroid disorders and other health problems. This makes it crucial for the government to take swift and decisive measures.
