Plant-based milks do not provide enough iodine, according to the results of a study published in the medical journal British Journal of Nutrition. This nutrient is essential for the hormones of the thyroid and during the pregnancy.
Researchers at the University of Surrey in the UK examined the iodine content of 47 plant-based milk drinks (such as soy, almond, coconut, oats, rice, hazelnut and hemp) and compared them to that of cow’s milk.
The researchers found that the majority of plant-based milk drinks did not have adequate levels of iodine, the levels being equivalent to 2% of those seen in cow’s milk. Cow’s milk and dairy products are the main source of iodine and the results of the study show that most alternative drinks to milk are not an adequate substitute.
Iodine, a nutrient needed by the thyroid
Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones and is especially important during pregnancy because it is essential for the normal fetal brain development. Previous research from the University of Surry in this area has shown that low iodine levels in pregnant women are linked to lower IQ and reading scores in their children (up to age 9).
“Many people are unaware of the need for this essential dietary mineral and it is important for people who consume milk and plant-based drinks to realize that they are not providing the iodine from cow’s milk. pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy Explained Margaret Rayman, professor of nutritional medicine at the University of Surrey.
“A glass of alternative drink to milk would provide only 2 mcg of iodine, which is a very small proportion of the iodine intake recommended by adults of 150 mcg per day. During pregnancy, this recommendation exceeds 200 mcg / day “.
Consumers who no longer drink dairy products made from cow’s milk should ensure that they consume iodine through other food sources, such as white fish, haddock, salmon and cod, eggs, butter, cheese, spinach and watercress.
Read also:
Plant milks: are they good for me?
Plant-based milks are not good for babies’ health
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