A pediatric endocrinologist in Bengaluru has reported a case of significant thyroid swelling in a child after prolonged use of non-iodized pink Himalayan salt. The case has brought renewed focus to iodine intake in routine diets.
According to the clinician, the child consumed pink salt for nearly two years. The patient later presented with marked thyroid enlargement and low thyroid function. Thyroid antibodies were negative, prompting a detailed dietary review that identified lack of iodized salt as a likely contributing factor.
Dr. Tejasvi Sheshadri from Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Bengaluru, shared the case on her Instagram to raise awareness about potential iodine deficiency risks associated with replacing iodized salt.
Dr. Sheshadri explained in the Instagram video she posted,
The case was extremely puzzling to me since the child had a low thyroid status, and the thyroid antibodies were also negative. It wasn't until she probed the family's dietary history that the culprit emerged: the child had been consuming pink salt for two years.Dr. Tejasvi Sheshadri, MD, pediatric endocrinologist
Iodine plays a central role in thyroid hormone synthesis. Inadequate intake can lead to hypothyroidism and goiter. In children, prolonged deficiency may affect growth, metabolism, and neurodevelopment.1
Dr. Sheshadri warned in her video,
Iodine is very, very important for thyroid hormone function, and chronic use of pink salt can cause iodine deficiency.Dr. Tejasvi Sheshadri, MD, pediatric endocrinologist
Most commercially available pink Himalayan salt is not iodized. While it contains trace minerals, these are present in very small amounts and do not compensate for the absence of iodine in routine dietary use.
Pink salt has gained traction due to perceptions of being more natural or mineral-rich. However, experts note that its sodium content is comparable to regular salt, and its micronutrient contribution is minimal in typical consumption quantities.1
Now, what is pink salt? Pink salt is just regular salt, but it contains trace minerals such as iodine, magnesium, potassium, and iron, which give it its pink hue. Now, pink salt, contrary to popular belief, does not contain less sodium than regular salt, and chronic use of pink salt is extremely dangerous because it lacks iodine. Now, iodine is very, very important for thyroid hormone function, and chronic use of pink salt can cause iodine deficiency, which can result in hypothyroidism, poor energy, fatigue, thyroid swelling, hair fall, and developmental issues in your child.Dr. Tejasvi Sheshadri, MD, pediatric endocrinologist
India’s salt iodization programme significantly reduced iodine deficiency disorders over the past decades. Widespread replacement of iodized salt with non-iodized alternatives could undermine these public health gains.1
Clinicians advise that households should ensure adequate iodine intake, especially for children and pregnant women. Specialty salts may be used occasionally for flavor, but iodized salt remains the most reliable dietary iodine source.1
The Bengaluru case highlights the importance of checking whether household salt is iodized. Maintaining sufficient iodine intake is essential for normal thyroid function and long-term health outcomes.
Reference
1. Shaik, Zoya. 2024. “Effects of Different Types of Salt on Thyroid Gland.” International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research 6 (6).
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