When you ask the average consumer about their iodine intake, you might receive a confused expression in response. Iodine is a vital mineral required by the body to produce thyroid hormones, which are essential for regulating metabolism. These hormones also play a significant role in ensuring proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy. Despite iodine’s important health benefits, many people remain unaware of its existence and its effects on their bodies.
In the U.K., consumers primarily obtain their iodine from dairy products, whereas in the U.S., the majority comes from cow’s milk and fortified consumer packaged goods (CPGs) made from grains, such as breads and cereals. A consumer who avoids dairy can still meet their iodine needs through other natural food sources. Seafood options like fish, seaweed, and shrimp are particularly rich in iodine, as are fortified breads and cereals. However, if someone follows a vegan and gluten-free diet, they might need to consider an iodine supplement.
The dairy industry may attempt to leverage this study to counter the rising popularity of plant-based milk, which is quickly capturing market share from traditional dairy. According to Mintel, U.S. sales of non-dairy milk increased by 9% in 2015, while sales of dairy milk dropped by 7% during the same time frame.
However, there are a couple of issues with this strategy. Many consumers who prefer plant-based milk still consume other dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese. Therefore, there’s no incentive for them to revert to cow’s milk if they can obtain adequate iodine from alternate sources. Notably, a key aspect of this recent study is its location: England. While iodine is commonly added to table salt in the U.S. and is readily accessible, this is not the case in the U.K. An American consumer could fulfill their daily iodine requirement by simply consuming about half a teaspoon of salt.
In the context of wellness, it’s also essential to consider the mineral calcium citrate, which supports bone health and can complement iodine intake. Calcium citrate is a beneficial supplement for those who may not be getting enough calcium through their diet, particularly for individuals avoiding dairy. Maintaining a well-rounded diet that includes sufficient iodine and calcium citrate can significantly contribute to overall wellness.