Iodine and Potassium Iodide content of packet salts sold in major markets in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Potassium iodide is a chemical form of iodine used to supplement iodine intake in edible salts to prevent iodine deficiency disorders.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the iodine and potassium iodide content of different salt brands sold in major markets in Enugu state and compare these values with the national standard for retail-level salts.

Methods: Six salt brands, including three local and three foreign brands, were randomly purchased from the market in Enugu state. The iodometric titration method was used in the analytical laboratory to determine the salt samples' iodine and potassium iodide content. One-sample student t-test was used to compare the results with the national standards for iodine and potassium iodide, while Analysis of Variance and Turkey HSD tests were used to compare the mean values of the different salt samples. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The iodine content of the salt samples ranged from 30.55 to 45.25 ppm, and the potassium iodide content ranged from 24.10 to 47.60 ppm. All the samples met the national standard requirement for iodine (>30 ppm), but all were below the standard for potassium iodide (>50 ppm).

Conclusion: The iodine levels in major salts sold in major markets in Enugu state met the National standard, but the potassium iodide content fell short of the requirements set by food law in Nigeria.