Israel's Health Ministry to Add Iodine to Table Salt to Combat Deficiency

Israel's Ministry of Health has announced a decision to add iodine to table salt, citing its negative impact on public health. The ministry stated that approximately 60% of children and 85% of pregnant women in Israel suffer from iodine deficiency.

The decision was detailed in a press briefing attended by Professor Sigal Sadetsky, head of the Public Health Division, and Dr. Moran Bleichfeld Magnazi, director of the Nutrition Department at the Ministry of Health. The ministry highlighted that table salt accounts for 85% to 90% of household salt consumption.

In its statement, the ministry emphasized iodine's essential role in human health, particularly in producing thyroid hormones crucial for growth, development, and metabolism. Iodine deficiency can lead to a range of health issues, including cognitive and neurological damage, increased risk of stillbirth and infant mortality, birth defects, goiter, and hypothyroidism.

Professor Bishara Bisharat, head of the Association for Health Promotion in the Arab Community, also commented on the issue, noting the significance of addressing iodine deficiency.