In recent years, many people have decided to replace cow’s milk with plant-based milks such as soy milk, oat milk, etc. However, the World Health Organization warns about this substitution: “The increasing popularity and availability of plant-based alternatives to major sources of iodine, such as milk, dairy products and fish, contribute to persistently inadequate iodine intake in the WHO European Region.“.
Alternative herbal drinks do not necessarily provide enough iodine, which can cause a deficiency and particularly impact the health of pregnant women who have higher iodine needs. Indeed, a sufficient intake of iodine is important in the brain development of the fetus during the first months of pregnancy. Specifically, for a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, the satisfactory intake of iodine is 200 µg/day.Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which play a fundamental role in the processes of cell growth and maturation, maintenance of body temperature, regulation of energy expenditure and protein synthesis.“, explains Anses.
Thyroid disorders
“The shift towards plant-based dairy alternatives, particularly among women, who are already at higher risk of iodine deficiency and thyroid disease than men, is of concern for their iodine diet, particularly in countries that rely on milk as a source of iodine, as most dairy alternatives do not contain iodine.“, warned Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
Iodine deficiency is associated with an increase in the volume of the thyroid with the appearance of a goiter.Iodine deficiency also increases the incidence of preventable thyroid disorders, such as thyroid nodules, multinodular goiter, and hyperthyroidism, particularly in adults and the elderly.“, adds the WHO.
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