Salt Iodination Law in Georgia?

Question

I have known some days ago that in the Republic of Georgia, in my home country, it is mandatory use of iodinated salt. There is a law approved by the Parliament of Georgia and the import and distribution of any other salt is prohibited. I don’t know why such a decision was made. I didn’t participated in this. I’m ordinary medical doctor and trying to make my living with medical translations. Reason of the decision was quite wide spread of the goiter that was diagnosed by ultrasound examination. Though as far as I know it, never was made thorough analysis of water content of the Iodine. It’s well known that there is the mountain region in Georgia (Svanetia), where endemic goiter is widely spread. The cause is insufficient Iodine consumption with water and food. As I think wide spread of the goiter all around the Georgia has other reason, namely radiation, not only as the consequence of Chernobyl Disaster, but also for the Russian Nuclear Tests, site of which is out of the ranges of Georgia. I know Russia wouldn’t acknowledge this fact.
Now I have question to you: is the total use of iodinated salt harmful for the population of Georgia?

Answer 1

I am sure that you know that Iodized salt is known to protect against goiter and radiation absorption. In the U.S. Iodized salt was made available to prevent goiter and Graves Disease. When Chernobyl first happened Iodine was given to children throughout Europe to prevent absorption of radioactive caesium from the disaster.

I can not think of any other reason Georgia would pass such a law.

Answer 2

I recall hearing about the goiters in that area long before the radiation existed. I think goiters have dominated that area for a very long time. Iodized salt should not be harmful to people. The body is able to rid itself of any excess.

Answer 3

It should not be harmful. We've had iodized salt in the US since 1924.

The thyroid gland is the only organ in the human body that uses iodine, so it should not affect people in any other way.

The actual iodine content in the salt is very low, but it takes only a small amount of iodine to prevent goiter.

It will probably be a good thing for your country.

Answer 4

As far as I know, most salt you buy in the store in the US is iodized, and has been for some time. It hasn't hurt us yet, that I know of.

Answer 5

sorry... I dont know the answer, bt I read that you live in georgia, can you contact me, Im going to Tbilisi next week and want to do bussines with mexican food and articles.

thanks