[Medical Q&A] Should patients with thyroid nodules choose iodized salt or non-iodized salt?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Gong Weiyan, Associate Researcher, Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention

The formation of thyroid nodules is related to iodine intake. Both iodine deficiency and iodine excess may increase the risk of thyroid nodules, while appropriate iodine intake helps maintain normal thyroid function. When choosing iodized or non-iodized salt, patients with thyroid nodules need to consider factors such as the nature of the nodules, the state of thyroid function, and personal iodine intake.

If the nodule is benign and the thyroid function is normal, iodized salt can usually be chosen, but be careful not to consume excessive iodine; if there is hyperthyroidism (i.e., hyperthyroidism), iodine intake should be limited and non-iodized salt should be chosen; if there is hypothyroidism (i.e., hypothyroidism), iodine supplementation should be appropriate under the guidance of a doctor. If the nodule is suspected or confirmed to be malignant (such as thyroid cancer), the doctor's advice should be followed and iodine intake may need to be limited. If the diet already contains enough iodine (such as consuming seaweed and seafood foods such as kelp, laver, and marine fish, as well as dairy products, etc.), non-iodized salt can be chosen; if the iodine intake in the diet is insufficient, it is recommended to choose iodized salt to ensure sufficient iodine intake. Of course, patients with thyroid nodules should undergo regular thyroid function tests and ultrasound examinations to monitor changes in nodules and thyroid function status, so as to scientifically choose iodized or non-iodized salt.