What's the difference between regular table salt and iodized salt?

Question

What's the difference between table salt and iodized table salt other than the fact that one is iodized? My dad said to always buy the iodized stuff and have a little bit in your diet every day. Is he right and what does iodized salt do for you in the long run?

Answer 1

Your dad is right.

Here is a good article on it.

Answer 2

Iodized salt is table salt mixed with a minute amount of iodide salts to help reduce the chance of iodine deficiency, which can lead to thyroid gland problems, the most common being goiters. Only tiny quantities of iodine are required in a diet to prevent this disease, but there are many places around the world where natural levels of iodine in the soil are low and the iodine is not taken up by vegetables.

Iodized salt is a cheap and effective way of distributing the vital element. Iodized salt is more common in the United States and Australia than Britain, where iodized milk is more popular.

The United States Food and Drug Administration recommends 150 micrograms of iodine per day for both men and women.

Answer 3

No difference. Essentially all regular table salt IS iodized; it's the FDA standard. And from what I understand, it's the only significant means by which most people get their iodine, as well as from fish and certain vegetables. Iodine is a primary halogenic element; it's symbol on the elements chart is "I", and it's atomic # is 53. You don't need very much of it, but you can't live without it either. Only large-crystal sea salt and other specialty salts don't have iodine, and it usually says so right on the label.

Answer 4

Iodized salt has iodine added. In many areas the mineral content of watter and consequently vegetables lack enough iodine to prevent the formation of goiters. This is a swelling of the thyroid gland. By adding iodine to salt, problem solved.

Answer 5

Aside from the obvious (iodized/no iodized) there is no difference. Iodine is a necessary nutrient and one way to get it is via salt.

Answer 6

Iodized salt has iodine added into it. It is better to use that kind, if you get an iodine deficenciy you can develop goiter. It is a large mass that grows on the side of your neck, it usually happens in underdeveloped countries with poor nutrition.

Answer 7

Iodine is placed in the iodized salt, a necessary nutrient found in fish which come from certain waters, also.

Answer 8

Table salt contains more salt than a tablespoon of kosher, this is because of the fine crystals found in table salt. I like to use Kosher or Sea Salt when I cook as it adds a bit of a crunch and a briny flavor to my dish. Table salts are mined from salt deposits with in the ground and contain an additive to keep it from clumping. Kosher salt can either come from the sea or the mine however kosher salt does not contain any additives. Also Kosher salt works well in preserving as its larger crystals will draw out the moister from meats more effectively.

Answer 9

iodized salt contains iodine which is helpful the the body.

Answer 10

If ones diet does not include much seafoods, there is the possibility to suffer a lack of iodine.
That can cause goiters.
Years past, when this was discovered, salt began to artificially iodized.
Today goiters are rare.

Seasalt will suffice.

Answer 11

It is the same thing....and a little bit of salt is fine for you but makes you retain water. A lot of salt is bad for you. You should not add extra salt to your food due to the fact that there is so much in everthing to begin with, just check the labels.