Iodine and plant-based diets: a narrative review and calculation of iodine content

An increasing number of food-based recommendations promote a plant-based diet to address health concerns and environmental sustainability in global food systems. As the main sources of iodine in many countries are fish, eggs and dairy products, it is unclear whether plant-based diets, such as the EAT-Lancet reference diet, would provide sufficient iodine. This is important as iodine, through the thyroid hormones, is required for growth and brain development; adequate iodine intake is especially important before, and during, pregnancy. In this narrative review, we evaluated the current literature and estimated iodine provision from the EAT-Lancet reference diet. There is evidence that those following a strict plant-based diet, such as vegans, cannot reach the recommended iodine intake from food alone and are reliant on iodine supplements. Using the EAT-Lancet reference diet intake recommendations in combination with iodine values from UK food tables, we calculated that the dietwould provide 128 mu g/d (85% of the adult recommendation of 150 mu g/d and 51-64% of the pregnancy recommendation of 200-250 mu g/d). However, ifmilk is replaced with unfortified plant-based alternatives, total iodine provision would be just 54 mu g/d (34 % and 22-27 % of the recommendations for adults and pregnancy, respectively). Plant-based dietary recommendations might place consumers at risk of iodine deficiency in countries without a fortification programme and where animal products provide the majority of iodine intake, such as the UK and Norway. It is essential that those following a predominantly plant-based diet are given appropriate dietary advice to ensure adequate iodine intake.

Automated summary

An increasing number of food-based recommendations promote a plant-based diet, but there is ongoing debate about iodine intake and whether a vegan diet can meet iodine requirements. This review evaluates literature and calculates iodine intake, finding that strict plant-based diets may not provide enough iodine and reliance on supplements is necessary. Countries without fortification programs and where animal products are the main source of iodine intake, such as the UK and Norway, may face risks of iodine deficiency with plant-based dietary recommendations.