Progress towards eliminating iodine deficiency in South Africa
Keywords:
iodine, deficiency, salt iodation, Africa, goitre, daily iodine intake, thyroid gland
Abstract
Before the introduction of salt iodisation in 1954, South Africa was one of the many countries of the world with a lack of iodine in most of its territory and hence there was a need for a salt iodisation programme. The understanding of the iodine situation in South Africa, the basics of iodine nutrition and progress toward eliminating iodine deficiency internationally and in South Africa are reviewed in this paper. Voluntary salt iodisation in the country at 10–20 ppm introduced in 1954 failed to eliminate endemic goitre and iodine deficiency.
Published
2008-02-28
How to Cite
Jooste, P., & Zimmermann, M. (2008). Progress towards eliminating iodine deficiency in South Africa. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 21(1), 08. Retrieved from https://www.sajcn.co.za/index.php/SAJCN/article/view/2092
Issue
Section
Invited Review
Material submitted for publication in the South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition (SAJCN) is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. Copyright forms will be sent with acknowledgement of receipt and the SAJCN reserves copyright of the material published.
The SAJCN does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors.
