We don’t get enough iodine

Do you often choose oat milk or soy-based desserts? This is good for the environment, but you may consume less iodine.

It is the World Health Organization (WHO) located in a report It is noted that there is not enough iodine in the wide European region. This must be kept in mind because people need iodine. Pregnant women need a higher percentage of iodine because the mineral plays an essential role in fetal brain development.

Furthermore, iodine is important for the production of thyroid hormones, which are essential, among other things, for the proper functioning of our metabolism.

Changing diets

Milk and dairy products are the most important source of iodine in Western and Central Europe, especially for children. However, low consumption of dairy products – especially among young people and adults – increases the risk of iodine deficiency.

Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, says that women in particular should be careful to ensure they consume enough iodine because they are naturally more at risk of iodine deficiency – due to pregnancy – and are also more susceptible to thyroid disease than men. .

“Especially in countries that rely on milk as a source of iodine, potential deficiencies due to the shift to more plant-based diets are of concern,” Klug says. “After all, most dairy alternatives do not contain iodine.”

salty

Using iodized salt in your preparations is a popular strategy to ensure you get iodine. But changes in eating habits and lifestyle also play a role here, Klug says.

According to the report, ready-made foods such as bread and processed meats are now the main source of salt in the Western diet. But research in Germany and Switzerland found that only 9 and 34 percent of the salt in processed foods, respectively, was iodized. In other European countries, many foods also appear to contain no iodized salt.

“Countries should mandate the use of iodized salt in processed foods,” said Dr. Gauden Galea, WHO Strategic Advisor. “The popularity of plant-based alternatives also makes it necessary to fortify milk substitutes and other dairy products with iodine.”

Less salt, more iodine

The World Health Organization also points out that these recommendations do not contradict its view that salt intake should be reduced in Europe. But to avoid iodine deficiency, they recommend always using smaller amounts of iodized salt.

“There is a general lack of knowledge about the consequences of iodine deficiency among the general public, health authorities and food manufacturers,” said Werner Schultink, director of the Global Iodine Network (IGN), which also contributed to the report. “Deficiency, even mild iodine deficiency, has serious consequences for people’s health and the economy.”

With this deficiency, the thyroid gland slows down and visibly enlarges in the front of the neck, forming a “goiter” or goiter. Complaints of hypothyroidism may include weight gain, feeling cold often, constipation, and increased risk of irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and osteoporosis. In children, iodine deficiency can lead to delayed growth and decreased learning ability. In older people, low intake can lead to cognitive impairment.