Vegan Guide
VEGAN GUIDE

Nutrition

How do vegans get enough iodine?

Short answer

Adults need about 150 µg of iodine a day (220 µg in pregnancy, 290 µg while breastfeeding). Vegans do not get iodine from dairy and fish, so it has to be planned: iodised salt at home or a supplement.

Salt in processed foods is usually not iodised, and sea and Himalayan salts often contain no iodine – check the pack. Iodised salt is not an invitation to add more salt; use it in moderation. The alternative is an iodine supplement (in pregnancy and breastfeeding the doctor sets the dose).

Seaweed has very variable iodine content: kelp and kombu can easily give too much, which harms the thyroid. Do not rely on it as your main source. If you have a thyroid condition, agree your iodine intake with your doctor.

Sources

  1. Iodine — Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
  2. Vegetarian, vegan and plant-based diet — British Dietetic Association
  3. Normy żywienia dla populacji Polski (NIZP PZH, 2020)
  4. Iodine — The Vegan Society
  5. Iodine — British Dietetic Association

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