The head of the National Institute of Nutrition Le Danh Tuyen raised concerns about iodine deficiency in Vietnam ahead of Micronutrient Day (June 1 and 2).

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In 2005, the goitre rate among children aged from eight to ten years old was 5%. A survey conducted by the National Hospital of Endocrinology from 2013 to 2014 show that the goitre rate increased to 10%. The coverage of household iodized salt consumption in Hanoi was 100% and 93% nationwide in 2005. 

According to Tuyen, mandatory iodine fortification was implemented in Vietnam before 2005 and when it was dropped, the coverage rate dropped sharply to 40% nationwide just four years later. Only 6% of asked people said they used iodized salt while the majority seasoned their food with fish sauce and other seasonings.

The Iodine Global Network still ranks Vietnam on the list of 19 countries with iodine deficiency.

"The Iodine Global Network advised to use iodine salt directly for food seasoning, food processing and animal feed," Tuyen said.

A governmental decree on food fortification took effect in March last year but it was ignored by most firms.

According to UNICEF, iodine deficiency will cause miscarriage, goitre and brain damage in the fetus and infant. The recommended dietary allowance of iodine is 90-120 mcg/day for children aged 1 to 11 years old and 150 mcg/day for adults and adolescents.

VietNamNet/Dtinews