Iodine is a must; Mogpog RHU conducts iodine testing

MOGPOG, Marinduque (PIA) -- As part of Goiter Awareness of the Department of Health and National Nutrition Council project with the theme “Goiter Sugpuin, Isip Patalinuhin, Iodized Salt Gamitin,” and to suppress the increasing numbers of Filipinos with Iodine Deficiency Disorder, the Rural Health Unit, and Nutrition Office of Mogpog conducted an iodized salt testing yesterday, April 13, 2023.

Iodine is an essential micronutrient that contributes to overall thyroid health, and the NNC would like to bring to the public’s attention its significance and many advantages. Iodine is a trace mineral found in various places, including saltwater and plant food; however, it is most usually found in iodized salt. With this, RHU Mogpog and the Mogpog Nutrition Office, led by Ma Kristel Montegrejo, medical technologist and Robelia L. Nunez, assistant nutritionist dietician, assisted by Glotilde Go, and Rina Monteagudo, carried out iodized salt testing to determine whether various food providers establishments and different households from the 37 barangays of Mogpog make use of iodized salt in their cooking procedures.

Attendees watched a guide video on how to use the WYD Iodine Checker machines. Afterward, they prepared the needed materials and performed the given procedures.
The reading is the exact concentration of iodine in salt using parts per million (PPM) measurement. The standard concentration of iodine is 30-70 PPM. If the result of tested iodized salt is lower or higher than the standard concentration, the salt needs to fortify to pass the testing.

The Republic Act 8172, or the Asin Law, aims to promote the use of iodized salt to address the lack of micronutrients in the country. It also requires all salt manufacturers to iodize the salts they produce and distribute to help contain the increasing number of Filipinos with iodine deficiency disorder. (Press Release/Alliah Malinao/ LGU Mogpog)