Plant-Based Milk Alternatives May Not Give You Enough Iodine. Here’s Why That Matters

Plant-Based Milk Alternatives May Not Give You Enough Iodine. Here’s Why That Matters

Recent research shows that swapping dairy for plant-based alternatives may reduce your iodine intake. Tanja Ivanova · Moment/Getty Most plant-based milk, yogurt, and cheese alternatives aren’t fortified with iodine, which may lead to iodine inadequacy if you replace even 20% of your dairy intake with these products. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, metabolism, and fetal brain development. Low iodine intake over time can cause hypothyroidism, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and developmental concerns during pregnancy. To protect your iodine intake on a plant-based diet, choose fortified alternatives, eat seafood and eggs, use iodized salt, or talk with your healthcare professional about supplements. Replacing dairy with plant-based alternatives (PBAs), even partially, could substantially lower iodine intake, especially if those alternatives aren’t fortified, according to a recent study published in the Lancet Planetary Health. The United Kingdom-based researchers found that only 12% of UK plant-based milk, yogurt, and cheese products analyzed were fortified with iodine. This compares with 61% for calcium and 46% for vitamin B12. In the United States, the Food and

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Source: Google Health