World Iodine Deficiency Day is observed every year on October 21st in order to promote awareness about the importance of iodine for good health. However, research continues to demonstrate that people are still struggling to meet the necessary iodine intake for their health.
Why is iodine important?
Iodine is a trace element that our bodies need to make the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), which are essential for good health. These hormones play a role in a number of vital functions within the body, including the maintenance of brain function and development, metabolic rate and bone health.
Because the thyroid needs iodine to function, iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). When iodine intake is too low and the thyroid is underactive, our bodies may present with a variety of unwanted symptoms including weight gain, fatigue and brittle hair and nails.
Iodine is needed in higher amounts during pregnancy, as it is essential for normal foetal brain development. Its role is so important during this time, that iodine deficiency is known to be the most preventable cause of mental disability. Furthermore, research studies have shown that iodine deficiency during pregnancy can result in the offspring born having a lower IQ (1).
What is the scale of iodine deficiency in the UK?
The UK is one of just two high-income countries with concerning levels of iodine deficiency, and even has worse rates than some developing countries. It is particularly prevalent in women and girls, with one study showing that the percentage of teenage girls and pregnant women with iodine deficiency was 69% and 62%, respectively (2). Furthermore, a study in the Journal for Nutritional Health & Food Science showed that 60% of females over 55 were iodine deficient (3).
Our bodies cannot produce iodine, so it must be obtained through the diet.
The only good food sources of natural iodine are fish, milk and seaweed. Unfortunately, this means that as more of the population move towards a plant-based diet, iodine deficiency becomes an even bigger concern.
While a plant-based diet is a beneficial step to take in the fight against climate change, often people adopt such a diet for health reasons. While plant-based diets can offer some health benefits, it’s important to recognise that cutting out food groups often means cutting out nutrients. Supporting this, a study found that those following a vegan diet were particularly at risk of iodine deficiency, compared to those that were consuming a mixed diet (4).
Seaweed is the best solution to the ongoing iodine crisis
In light of this year’s World Iodine Deficiency Day, it’s a better time than ever to consider the steps that we can take in order to decrease the rapidly growing rates of iodine deficiency throughout the UK and Europe.
Seaweed is the ONLY natural, plant-based source of iodine. Unlike seafood and dairy, seaweed offers a viable source of iodine that can be utilized in like with the growing movement for plant-based eating. All of our PureSea® ingredients are sustainably harvested, measured to ensure safe iodine levels and represent the gold standard for quality and traceability.
Because of its iodine content, our seaweed is able to contribute to normal metabolism, thyroid function, cognitive function, skin health, nervous system function and the healthy growth of children.
With its wide range of natural nutrients, including iodine, PureSea® is an excellent base upon which to build truly healthy and nutritious products.
Discover more about PureSea® by exploring the full range of products today.
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(1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23706508/
(2)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21640375/#:~:text=Urinary%20iodine%20measurements%20indicative%20of,%25%2C%20n%3D135
(4)https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/press_information/2020/28/veganism__vitamin_b12_is_well_supplemented__iodine_is_a_matter_of_concern-259482.html