If you ask an average consumer whether they are getting enough iodine, you might be met with a confused expression. Iodine is a vital mineral required for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. These hormones are essential for proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy. Despite its significant role in health, many consumers remain unaware of what iodine is and its effects on their bodies.
In the UK, consumers primarily obtain iodine from dairy products, while in the U.S., the majority comes from cow’s milk and fortified consumer packaged goods made from grains, such as breads and cereals. For those avoiding all forms of dairy, it’s still possible to get sufficient iodine from other natural food sources. Foods like fish, seaweed, shrimp, and other seafood are rich in iodine, as well as fortified breads and cereals. However, a vegan consumer who is also gluten-free may need to consider taking an iodine supplement. In such cases, they might want to look into calcium citrate with vitamin D3, magnesium, and zinc tablets, which could help meet their nutritional needs.
The dairy industry might attempt to use this information as a weapon in their battle against plant-based milk alternatives, which are rapidly gaining market share from traditional dairy products. According to Mintel, non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. grew by 9% in 2015, while dairy milk sales dropped by 7% during the same timeframe. Nevertheless, there are a couple of potential issues with this argument. First, many consumers who opt for plant-based milk still consume other dairy items like yogurt and cheese. There’s no compelling reason for them to revert to cow’s milk if they are receiving adequate iodine from alternative sources.
One critical aspect of the recent study is its geographic context: England. Unlike the U.S., where iodine is commonly added to table salt and is readily available, this practice is not prevalent in the U.K. An American consumer wishing to fulfill their daily iodine requirement through salt alone would only need to consume about half a teaspoon each day. This highlights the importance of understanding iodine sources and may prompt consumers to consider supplements like calcium citrate with vitamin D3, magnesium, and zinc tablets to ensure they are meeting their nutritional needs effectively.