Vegans Suffer From Iodine Deficiency

Video: Vegans Suffer From Iodine Deficiency

Video: Vegans Suffer From Iodine Deficiency
Video: Vegans, We Need To Talk About Iodine 2024, November
Vegans Suffer From Iodine Deficiency
Vegans Suffer From Iodine Deficiency
Anonim

Vegans cannot get enough iodine because of their diet. And it is especially important, especially for pregnant women.

Iodine is found in iodized salt, seafood, eggs, dairy products, and some types of bread. It is used by the thyroid gland to help regulate metabolism and development, especially in babies and young children.

Its deficiency during fetal development and in early childhood is a leading cause of brain damage in much of the world.

A new study shows that some vegans can't get enough iodine from the foods they eat.

Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Despite the relatively small scale of the study, the observed group, which tends not to get enough iodine, is indicative. In the future, patients with similar problems can be consulted, scientists say.

Although most people in the United States are thought to get a lot of iodine through their diet, the American Thyroid Association recommends that pregnant and lactating women take iodine vitamins.

Low iodine levels can increase the risk of miscarriage and thyroid problems in mothers, in addition to the mental impairments in babies that can occur.

Veganism
Veganism

The study looked at 140 vegetarians, mostly women. Urine samples were taken from each of them, and the concentration of iodine in it was examined. According to the World Health Organization, the recommended range of iodine concentrations per liter of urine is between 100 and 199 micrograms, and between 150 and 249 micrograms per liter in pregnant women.

In the subjects, the average level was 147 micrograms in vegetarians and 79 microorganisms in those who avoid not only meat but also eggs and dairy products.

The aim of the study is to publicly announce the problem of iodine deficiency and to open the door for more research in this direction.

All women of childbearing age, and especially vegan women, should be encouraged to take iodine supplements to ensure that the fetus is exposed to extra iodine during development.

In any case, the additional intake of iodine should be consulted with a doctor, as too high levels can also cause thyroid problems.

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