I

Iodine

Supports thyroid function and regulates metabolism

Daily Target:

140 micrograms (µg)

Iodine's primary role is to create thyroid hormones. Think of these hormones as your body's master regulator, controlling the speed of your metabolism and playing a vital part in brain development and function. Because iodine is absorbed from the soil and sea, its main food sources are dairy products, eggs, and sea fish. The iodine content in plants can be unpredictable as it depends entirely on the soil they're grown in. For this reason, including sources like iodised salt or fortified plant milks can be a reliable strategy, especially for those on a vegan diet.

Good sources

1 cod fillet

Cod
I

provides

148 µg

1 egg

Egg
I

provides

20 µg

1 glass of milk

Milk
I

provides

50 µg

1/4 tsp of iodised salt

Salt
I

provides

76 µg

1 sheet of seaweed

Seaweed
I

provides

250 µg

What the research says

🇬🇧Learn about iodine's key role in your health, the best food sources, and the daily amount to aim for.NHS: iodine guide