You might have noticed that most salt packets in India say 'Iodised Salt' or 'Fortified with Iodine'. This is not a marketing gimmick — it is a critically important public health measure that has saved millions of people from a debilitating disease.
India dramatically reduced iodine deficiency disorders by over 90% after mandatory iodisation of salt was implemented. This is considered one of the greatest and cheapest public health achievements in Indian history.
Iodised salt is ordinary table salt (NaCl) to which a tiny, precise amount of iodine compound (usually Potassium Iodate, KIO₃) has been added during manufacturing.
India's government has mandated the use of iodised salt for decades through the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme.
Iodine is a micronutrient — a trace element that the human body needs in very small quantities but cannot manufacture itself. It is absolutely essential for the thyroid gland (located in the neck) to produce thyroid hormones (T₃ and T₄).
Thyroid hormones control:
When the body doesn't get enough iodine, the thyroid gland tries to compensate by growing larger to capture more iodine from the blood. This causes a visible, painful swelling in the neck called Goitre.
Moreover, iodine deficiency in pregnant women can cause cretinism in their babies — severe intellectual disability and stunted physical growth.
By simply adding iodine to common salt (which everyone uses daily), the government ensures every citizen gets their daily iodine requirement with zero extra effort.
The WHO recommends approximately **150 micrograms (mcg)** of iodine per day for adults, and 250 mcg for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Just 5–6 grams of properly iodised salt provides this entire daily requirement.
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