Iodine overdose raises health alarm in Nepal
Summary
Excessive iodine intake in Nepal, largely due to over-fortified salt, is linked to rising cases of hyperthyroidism, prompting calls for policy changes on iodine levels in salt.
Key Points
- A 26-year-old woman was hospitalized with severe hyperthyroidism due to iodine overdose.
- Nepal Micronutrient Status Survey-2016 found 68% of Nepalis consume iodine exceeding recommended levels.
- Salt Trading Corporation fortifies salt at 50 ppm iodine, above WHO's recommended 15-40 ppm.
- Officials are considering lowering iodine content in salt but decisions are delayed due to postponed micronutrient surveys.
