The chapter explores efforts in the US to address iodine deficiency by adding iodine to drinking water and salt. It discusses challenges faced in Rochester and Michigan, where cooperative efforts between public health workers and the salt industry led to the successful introduction of iodized salt, reducing cases of enlarged thyroids by up to 90%. Despite global progress, around 900 million people still lack access to iodized salt, prompting researchers to explore alternative iodine distribution methods in areas with deficiencies.
People started adding iodine to salt because in some parts of the world serious, chronic iodine deficiency was incredibly widespread, which was causing a range of health issues. But how was that solution arrived at?
Research:
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