OBJECTIVETo analyze the feasibility of reducing the concentration of iodized salt based on the results of iodized salt monitoring from the year of 2004 to 2006.

METHODSSpecial software for iodized salt monitor and SAS 9.0 were used to analyze salt monitoring data and urine iodine data of women at reproductive age in high-risk areas in 2006.

RESULTSBased on the data from monitoring program, adequate iodized salt coverage increased constantly in China. The quality of iodized salt was stable with less than 2 mg/kg iodine loss at production level but most was at 3 mg/kg iodine loss under estimation during the process of distribution from factory to households. Individual daily intake of iodized salt was higher than the recommendation from WHO but the average level of urinary iodine excretion of women and school children was more than adequate.

CONCLUSIONTo decrease the concentration of iodine in edible salt was necessary in China. Our findings provided recommendation on the concentration of iodine in edible salt that should be adjusted from the current concentration of 35 mg/kg to 25-28 mg/kg, and the variation should be controlled from the current range of +/- 15 mg/kg to +/- 10 mg/kg.