Iodine has the property to kill bacteria, which is an additional advantage. Refugee camps often have a central source of drinking water where sanitation workers add chloride every day. This may be simpler in some cases than importing fortified salt. For info, a new reference on iodine deficiency and mortality. Taking care of iodine deficiency is not very spectacular, but apparently may save lives.
Infant survival is improved by oral iodine supplementation.
Although reports suggest that infant mortality is increased during iodine deficiency, the effect of iodine supplementation on infant mortality is unknown. Six hundred seventeen infants were enrolled in the study. Oral iodized oil supplementation had a stronger effect on the mortality of males compared with females. This study suggests that oral iodized oil supplementation of infants may reduce infant mortality in populations at risk for iodine deficiency. The report has been submitted and I will publish a summary soon, probably in the August IDD Newsletter.