12/11/2025
๐ฅ๐ ๐ด๐ญ๐ณ๐ฎ: ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐น๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
by CMU BSND OJT Rafael Sumaya
Have you ever wondered why we are reminded to use iodized salt? The answer lies in a law passed almost 30 years ago, Republic Act No. 8172 (An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide), or better known as the ASIN Law. This law was enacted in 1995 to protect Filipinos from iodine deficiency, a health problem that can cause goiter, poor brain development, and other serious conditions. By simply making sure that consumers buy and use adequately iodized salt, the law aims to bring a simple but powerful solution to every household table.
Iodine is a small but mighty nutrient. Our body needs it to produce thyroid hormones, which control growth, brain development, and metabolism. Without enough iodine, people, especially children, are at risk of learning difficulties, lower IQ, and developmental delays. In severe cases, babies born to iodine-deficient mothers can suffer from cretinism, a condition that permanently affects mental and physical growth. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified iodine deficiency as one of the most common preventable causes of brain damage worldwide (WHO, 2007). That is why the ASIN Law makes it mandatory that all salt sold for human and animal consumption in the Philippines must be iodized.
Government agencies join hand in hand to promote and support salt iodization, such as the Department of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, among others. These agencies, together with local government units and the National Nutrition Council (NNC), work to monitor and regulate salt producers, ensure compliance, and inform the public about the importance of using iodized salt.
Moreover, Saktong Iodine sa Asin is included in the labels of iodized salt to guide consumers and to increase awareness and use of adequately-iodized salt in households and point of purchase. Thanks to this law, more Filipino households now have access to iodized salt, and iodine deficiency disorders have gradually decreased over the years (DOH, 2016).
But aside from iodized salt, iodine can also be found in many of our indigenous foods. For example, coastal families often enjoy lato and guso (seaweeds), which are naturally rich in iodine. Small fish like dilis and tamban, as well as shellfish and crabs, also provide iodine and are widely available in the local markets. Including these local foods in daily meals can help increase the bodyโs iodine intake while promoting food traditions unique to our culture.
Still, challenges remain. Some small-scale producers may sell salt that is not properly iodized, while certain households continue to buy non-iodized salt due to habit, price, or lack of awareness. This is why public education and strict monitoring remain crucial. Every time we choose iodized salt, we are not just following a law, we are protecting our familyโs health. Kumainment No. 7 reminds us, โGumamit ng iodized salt.โ
RA 8172, or the ASIN Law, is more than just a policy; it is a shield against one of the most harmful micronutrient deficiencies. By choosing iodized salt and including iodine-rich foods in our diet, we can safeguard the health of mothers, children, and the next generation of Filipinos. Truly, something as small as a pinch of salt can make a big difference for a healthier nation. โMaging matalino, mag-iodized salt tayo!โ (CMU BSND Intern Rafael T. Sumaya/nnc_x@yahoo.com/ 09631090198).
References:
Department of Health (DOH). (2016). Republic Act No. 8172 โ ASIN Law. Retrieved from https://doh.gov.ph
National Nutrition Council (NNC). (2022). The Role of Iodized Salt in Preventing Iodine Deficiency Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nnc.gov.ph
UNICEF Philippines. (2021). Salt Iodization in the Philippines: Progress and Challenges. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/philippines
World Health Organization (WHO). (2007). Assessment of Iodine Deficiency Disorders and Monitoring Their Elimination: A Guide for Programme Managers. Geneva: WHO Press. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
