Iodine Availability through Iodized Salt in Portugal: 2010-2021 Sales Evolution and Distribution

Area of Science:

• Public Health Nutrition
• Food Science
• Consumer Behavior

Background:

• Salt iodization is a key strategy for preventing iodine deficiency disorders.
• Portuguese women of childbearing age and pregnant women face iodine deficiency.
• Public health initiatives in Portugal included supplementation recommendations and mandatory iodized salt in schools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze iodized salt sales in Portuguese supermarkets from 2010 to 2021.
• To determine the proportion and distribution of iodized salt in total salt sales.
• To assess the impact of iodized salt availability on consumer purchasing habits.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of supermarket sales data from a major retailer in mainland Portugal (2010-2021).
• Identification of iodized salt products based on nutritional label information.
• Calculation of the weighted sales proportion of iodized salt within total salt sales (coarse and fine).

Main Results:

• Only 9% (3 out of 33) of identified salt products were iodized.
• Iodized salt sales showed a growing trend, reaching a maximum of 10.9% of total sales in 2021.
• Iodized coarse salt reached 11.6% of total coarse salt sales in 2021, while iodized fine salt peaked at 2.4% in 2018.

Conclusions:

• Overall sales of iodized salt in Portugal are significantly low.
• Consumer purchasing of iodized salt is minimal, indicating potential gaps in awareness or accessibility.
• Further investigation into consumer behavior and awareness regarding iodized salt is crucial for improving iodine intake.