Why in news?
A recent study from the Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC) received attention because it estimated, for the first time in India, how much salt and iodine adults consume every day. The researchers concluded that cutting salt intake to the World Health Organization’s recommended level of five grams per day would not compromise iodine intake thanks to India’s universal salt iodisation programme. This finding supports public health efforts to reduce hypertension and cardiovascular diseases by lowering salt consumption.
Background
The Centre for Chronic Disease Control is a non‑profit biomedical research organisation founded in 2000 and based in New Delhi. Recognised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and designated as a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre, the CCDC focuses on preventing and managing chronic non‑communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes, cancers and mental health disorders. It carries out surveillance, clinical trials, nutrition studies and capacity‑building programmes aimed at reducing the burden of NCDs in India and other low‑ and middle‑income countries.
Key findings of the study
- Salt consumption: The average daily salt intake among adults in Delhi and Faridabad was about 8 grams, well above the WHO recommendation of 5 grams. Urban and rural populations showed similar intakes.
- Iodine status: The median urinary iodine concentration was within the adequate range, indicating that most people are getting enough iodine from iodised salt. Even when daily salt consumption was hypothetically reduced to 5 grams, iodine intake remained sufficient.
- Methodology: Researchers collected 24‑hour urine samples from randomly selected men and women in slum and non‑slum areas, covering different age groups. This approach provided a reliable picture of both salt and iodine intake.
- Public health message: Reducing salt intake will lower blood pressure and cardiovascular risk without causing iodine deficiency, reinforcing India’s salt reduction targets under the National Multi‑Sectoral Action Plan for NCDs.
Significance
- Supports salt reduction initiatives: By showing that iodised salt continues to meet nutritional needs even when consumption is reduced, the study encourages policies aimed at lowering average salt intake.
- Guides nutrition programmes: The findings help health authorities balance salt reduction with micronutrient fortification, ensuring that both hypertension prevention and iodine sufficiency are addressed.
- Enhances global research: This is among the first studies worldwide to simultaneously measure salt and iodine intake using urine samples, offering a model for similar research in other countries.
Conclusion
The CCDC’s study underscores that India’s mandatory iodisation policy remains effective even when salt intake drops. Public health campaigns can therefore confidently promote salt reduction to prevent heart disease without risking iodine deficiency. Continued surveillance will help refine recommendations and track progress towards healthier dietary habits.
Source: Business Standard/ANI
