Final answer:
Iodine is an important mineral in nutrition, with one of its features being that excessive intakes can shrink the thyroid gland. Processed foods in the United States do not use iodized salt, contributing to iodine deficiency. Iodization of salt is mandatory in the United States, but iodine deficiency and toxicity are not approximately the same worldwide.
Step-by-step explanation:
Iodine is a mineral that plays a crucial role in nutrition, specifically in the function of the thyroid gland. One of the features of iodine in nutrition is that excessive intakes of iodine can actually shrink the thyroid gland, leading to issues with thyroid hormone production. It is important to note that processed foods in the United States do not use iodized salt, which can contribute to iodine deficiency.
Iodization of salt is mandatory in the United States but not in Canada. This practice was started in the United States in 1924 and has been effective in eliminating iodine deficiency concerns in this country. However, iodine deficiency and toxicity are not approximately the same worldwide. In fact, iodine deficiency is still a public health problem in many countries, affecting around 30% of the world's population.