Iodized salt linked to improved child health in Indonesia |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on [PUBL_DATE] |
US researchers writing in the February issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that two-thirds of slum-dwelling Indonesians use iodized salt and that those using the iodine-fortified salt had significantly lower infant and child mortality rates and less incidence of stunting and under-weight development.
Specifically, the researchers reported:
Adequately iodized salt was used by 66.6% and 67.2% of families from urban slums and rural areas, respectively. Among families who used adequately iodized salt, mortality in neonates, infants, and children aged <5 y was 3.3% compared with 4.2%, 5.5% compared with 7.1%, and 6.9% compared with 9.1%, respectively (P < 0.0001 for all), in urban slums; among families who did not use adequately iodized salt, the respective values were 4.2% compared with 6.3%, 7.1% compared with 11.2%, and 8.5% compared with 13.3% (P < 0.0001 for all) in rural areas. Families not using adequately iodized salt were more likely to have children who were stunted, underweight, and wasted. In multivariate analyses that controlled for potential confounders, low maternal education was the strongest factor associated with not using adequately iodized salt.
Conclusion: In Indonesia, nonuse of adequately iodized salt is associated with a higher prevalence of child malnutrition and mortality in neonates, infants, and children aged <5 y. Stronger efforts are needed to expand salt iodization in Indonesia.
Last changed: [MODI_DATE] at [MODI_TIME]
Back
