Iodine Prophylaxis in the Lights of the Last Recommendation of WHO on Reduction of Daily Salt Intake.

BACKGROUND: In 1994, International Organizations: WHO, UNICEF and ICCIDD indicat ed salt Natrium Chloride as the main carrier of iodine in the prophilaxis systems in the iodine deficient areas over the world. Following this recommendation, 24 European countries introduced the model of iodine p rop hylaxis based on the salt iodization. However in 7 European countries only - among tchem in Poland - salt iodization is mandatory as the most effective mode lon the population level.

OBJECTIVE: Presenting the method for the reduction of the consumption of iodized salt and supplement ation of iodine by other iodine carriers.

METHODS: Concentration of iodine in the salt has been calculated according to the daily salt consumption and WHO recommendation on the daily dose of iodine that should be supplied in different groups of age and in pregnant and breast feeding women. No relevant recent patents were available for this WHO report.

RESULTS: Consumption of salt in European countries is from 8 to 11g/day/person. In Poland, it is very high 11.5g/day/person. WHO in 1996 introduced recommendation on reducing daily salt intake to 5g/day/person as Natrium is a risk factor of hypertension and some neoplastic processes.

CONCLUSION: When iodized salt is the main carrier of iodine in the prophylaxis systems, additional carriers of iodine should be introduced in the food market for instant -iodized mineral water. A very important factor is the proper information and education on the population level. This action is under control of the Polish Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders [PCCIDD] established in 1991 following the example of the International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders [ICCIDD].