What is iodine responsible for?
As an elementary component of thyroid hormones, the trace element iodine is important for many functions in the body. These include tissue growth, cell division and the development of bones and brain.
According to the World Health Organization, about one third of the world's population is affected by an insufficient iodine supply. This deficiency is independent of the diet.
What is the need for iodine?
The need for iodine is individual. In general, 150 - 200µg daily is recommended for adults. For pregnant or breastfeeding women, the recommendation even increases to 230 - 260µg daily.
In what plant foods contained in iodine?
Salt is often mixed with iodine. This already covers part of the daily requirement. However, iodine is also contained in plant foods such as broccoli, spinach and whole grain cereals. Seaweed in particular is a valuable natural source of iodine.
Iodine: Conclusion
Iodine deficiency is therefore by no means a problem that exclusively affects people who eat a vegan diet.
It is recommended to consume so-called nori seaweed, which contains between 4 and 60mg of iodine per kilogram of dry weight.