Is is necessary to use iodised salt?

Q: We are using a local salt which is uniodised. Is it necessary for us to use iodised salt? If elderly people don't need to take iodised salt why is it necessary to give children iodised salt?

A:Yes, it is much better and safer to use iodised salt, whether for children,elders, or any other age group. Iodine is required to make thyroid hormoneswhich are necessary for controlling the body's metabolism in all age groups.In pregnant women and small children it is even more essential, becauseiodine and thyroid hormones are necessary for brain development of theunborn baby and newborn baby.