Sirimavo Nair1 *, Ruchirang Goswami2 , MGR Rajan3 and Vasudev Thakkar2
Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is a widespread health problem in developing countries. Double fortified salt (DFS) has been developed to combat two micronutrient deficiencies (iron and iodine) simultaneously; because, in many instances, these deficiencies co-exist. Iron component of the DFS helps to improve the hemoglobin (Hb) level. There is a simultaneous improvement in thyroperoxidase (TPO) activity and iodinated thyroglobulin (Tg) levels due to presence of iodine. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of DFS supplementation on salivary Tg and Hb levels in children of 6 to 12 years of age. The present study was conducted in rural areas of Vadodoara district. A total of 3125 children were screened for iodine deficiency by palpation and based on urinary iodine excretion (UIE). Their anthropometric measurements were recorded. The children (n= 54) with less UIE level (<100 µg/L UIE indicates iodine deficiency) were enrolled as subjects for the study, they were supplemented with DFS for two months. Biochemical estimations for salivary Tg, serum Tg, T4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (by Radio Immuno Assay), Hb (by Drabkin’s Method) and UIE (by micropipette method using ELISA reader) were carried out before and after the supplementation. All the data were subject to statistical analysis using SPSS software version 13.0. Mean salivary Tg values were reduced significantly by 4.45 ng/dl. Mean Hb value in post data improved by 0.5 ng/dl. Mean serum Tg was found to be 12.4 ng/dl which was in normal range. Supplementation of DFS with iron and iodine can combat these deficiencies simultaneously. DFS supplementation improves Hb and Tg levels in the subjects. Hence, DFS can be a powerful weapon in eliminating two micronutrient deficiencies
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