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The origins of salt
Iodised and fluorinated salt
Health authorities have estimated that a supplement of iodine and fluoride in table salt would contribute to the prevention of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) and fluoride supplements would contribute to the prevention of tooth decaySalt was chosen as a vector because it is a universally consumed food product and is regularly and constantly ingested.
In France, the first Ministerial Order authorising supplements to be added to table salt dates from the 28th February 1952 for iodine and the 31st October 1985 for fluoride. Only salt for cooking purposes, in other words small packages of salt, falls under these guidelines. They were redrafted in a new Order on the 28th May 1997, because, contrary to popular belief, sea salt does not naturally contain iodine in sufficient quantities.
What is Iodine ?Iodine is one of the essential oligo-elements, which is present in very small amounts in our bodies.
Iodine is one of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
These hormones have biological effects which vary depending on body tissues and age. The hormones regulate cellular differentiation in the foetus and young children, as well as the growth and development of most organs, in particular the brain. They also stimulate at all ages the metabolism and consumption of oxygen via the body tissues.
> Consequences of Iodine Deficiency
Severe iodine deficiency may result in goitre, but many other pathological manifestations have also been recorded over the last twenty years, including retarded intellectual development (learning difficulties, etc.).
Neonatal iodine deficiency can lead to:
- A predominantly neurological syndrome (hearing and speech problems, possibly leading to deafness and muteness) and problems with posture and gait
- Hypothyroidism with impaired growth. Iodine deficiency during childhood can also be associated with impaired intellectual development, delayed growth and even goitre
In adults, endemic goitre can be observed, along with mental retardation and apathy.
All of these problems (endemic goitre, endemic cretinism, endemic mental retardation, reduced fertility rates, increases in spontaneous miscarriages and perinatal mortality rates, birth defects) are grouped together under the name ‘Iodine Deficiency Disorders’ (IDD).
> A Few World-Wide Figures
PlMore than three million people suffer from endemic cretinism and more than 300 million are affected by goitre.
What is Fluoride ?Fluoride is the first element in the halogen group. Rocks, earth, water, plants and animals all contain fluoride in varying concentrations. Fluoride is an oligo-element whose role in the human body is vital in terms of prevention.
> The Role of Fluoride
Fluoride is stored largely in and around calcified tissues, mainly bone tissue.
In small doses, fluoride has a prophylactic effect against the development of dental decay. It increases the resistance of teeth to the attack of bacterial acids. In combination with calcium and phosphorous, it can have a reconstructive effect on certain lesions.
Fluoride is commonly used in larger doses in Europe as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of Type I osteoporosis (with bone compaction). Iodisation and Adding Fluoride to Salt under the General Health Authority Guidelines.
> The Salt Iodisation Technique
This oligo-element is added to salt in the form of liquid sodium iodide sprinkled onto a conveyer belt or added to a mixer.
The amount added is calculated in order to obtain the concentration of iodine in the salt required by the regulations (15-20 mg per kg).
> Salt with Added Fluoride
This supplement is added by using a wet method, in order to obtain a more homogeneous mix. This mix is done by injecting an aqueous solution into the mixer in which the salt is added.
Before the salt is put onto the market, a yearly declaration is required, accompanied by a technical file containing precise information about the conditions of manufacture and the inspections performed. The quality controls conducted in these companies are regularly cross-checked by the departments of the ‘Direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation, et de la Répression des Fraudes’ (DGCCRF) - or French Headquarters for Competition, Consumption and Prevention of Fraud.
Through its know-how, SALINS respects the very strict rules in place governing the optimal addition of supplements to these salts. The group’s competence and expertise guarantee a level of quality for its salt that is faultless. The brand La Baleine® provides a shining example of this quality for consumers. Iodised and Fluorinated Salt Approvals and Official References
> Scientific Endorsements :
World Health Organisation (OMS)
United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD)
French Union for Dental and Oral Health (UFSBD).
> Last Legal Reference :
Order dated 24 April 2007 relating to table salt and nutrients which may be added as supplements (Journal Officiel dated 25 April 2007).
> Visit the Site :
http://www.iodinenetwork.net/