Abstract:

Background: Iodine is a trace element important for the growth, development and control of metabolic process within the body, and its deficiency leads to Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) such as goitre, cretinism in children. 15-40ppm are the recommended adequate levels of iodine in dietary salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorders, efforts to control and eliminate iodine deficiency disorders have made a massive progress, however, maintenance of this success is still a challenge. This study is aimed at identifying and quantifying Iodine mineral in dietary salt consumed in Mwanza region, Tanzania.

Method: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted at Nyamagana, Ilemela and Magu districts in Mwanza region, Tanzania for a period of one month, among the households found in these districts. A simple rapid iodine test was used to determine the presence of iodine, and Iodometric titration was used to establish iodine concentration in the samples.

Results: Out of 113 salt samples, 100 (88%) salt samples had adequate iodine content, 9 (8%) salt samples had inadequate iodine content and 4 (4%) salt samples had excessive iodine content.

Conclusion: This study showed that a larger population in Mwanza region consume adequately iodized salt, and only a small population consumes inadequately iodized salt.