Iodine is involved in the body’s production of thyroid hormones, and we humans need plenty of iodine throughout life, especially during periods such as fetal development and child development. Iodine is also important for brain development and cognitive skills. Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy and during a child’s first years of life may result in stunted growth and/or mental retardation, but there has been uncertainty about how a minor iodine deficiency affects the child before and after birth. In a review article that is published in Nutrients, the authors look closer at iodine’s role in fertility and child growth. Apparently, iodine deficiencies are quite common, and we even need selenium and other nutrients to secure a well-functioning thyroid gland.

Veganism is on the rise, and experts have different views on whether or not plant-diets are suited for children. A team of Polish scientists has now discovered that children on vegan diets have low stature and lower bone density than children who eat meat and dairy products. Children on vegan diets also are also more likely to lack amino acids, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin A, iron, selenium, iodine, and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). It is particularly important for growing children to get enough nutrients to support their muscles, bones, brain, and a variety of enzyme processes. Also, children on vegan diets should be given relevant supplements to compensate for their shortcomings.

- and what else does it do?

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has increased the fear of nuclear warfare or radioactive leaks from local nuclear power plants. For that reason, many people have purchased iodine tablets to protect themselves from radioactive contamination. Being relatively close to a radioactive leak creates a sudden need for very large intake of iodine. It is important to realize, however, that the thyroid gland can only store iodine for a limited period of time and it can be dangerous to take extreme doses of iodine. Therefore, it makes no sense to take mega-doses as a preventive measure. On the other hand, it looks as if iodine deficiencies are rather common. Furthermore, we do need a certain amount of iodine to support the thyroid function, estrogen balance, and a number of other things. The question is how much iodine do we need on a day-to-day basis and how much do we need in the case of being exposed to radioactive radiation?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are found in building materials, textiles, kitchen utensils, foam from fire extinguishers, and cosmetics. The compounds have even been found in certain foods. The massive PFAS pollution may impair the body’s ability to utilize iodine, especially by affecting thyroid hormones that are essential for our metabolism, according to an article published in Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. Daily exposure to PFAS may also increase the risk of fetal damage, poor liver function, breast cancer, and other diseases. It also appears that PFAS poisoning increases the need for iodine.

There is a trending global shift towards vegetarian or vegan diets. However, these diets come with a risk of lacking essential nutrients that are primarily found in animal food sources. According to a large meta-analysis of Western diets, one of them is iodine. Iodine deficiency is a worldwide problem and has serious consequences because of iodine’s vital role in the thyroid function, energy production, estrogen balance, fertility, and healthy pregnancy outcome.