Wellbeing Nutrition Health Fitness Ecosystem Environment Animals Lifestyle Business About Contact Us Hamburger Toggle Menu Edit Template Why Vegans Should Pay Attention To Their Iodine Intake Iodine is an essential mineral for humans. It contributes to the formulation of thyroid hormones, which help maintain cell health and metabolic rate, and are necessary for growth during pregnancy and childhood. Some studies have shown that vegans are more likely to be deficient in iodine than meat eaters. This may be because of a lack of awareness, but, whatever the reason, it is important that anyone following a plant-based diet pays attention to their iodine intake and tries to ensure that they are getting the right amount. Iodine deficiency can lead to a variety of symptoms including weight gain, fatigue, intolerance to cold temperatures, goitre, and depression. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, iodine deficiency can affect their child’s brain development. Excessive iodine intake should also be avoided, as it can lead to hypothyroidism – with similar symptoms to those resulting from iodine deficiency – or hyperthyroidism, which can give rise to symptoms including anxiety, insomnia, muscle weakness, tiredness, weight loss, and tachycardia. Read Next Why Vegans Should Pay Attention To Their Iodine Intake Excellent Vegan Vitamin D Sources What Vegans Need To Know About Vitamin D Some Great Plant-Based Sources Of Omega 3 How Vegans Can Improve Their Iron Absorption Rates Health Benefits Of Omega 3 Fatty Acids The Three Main Omega 3 Fatty Acids Why We Need Calcium & How Much Is Enough