What Is Iodine?
Harvesting Of Seaweed For Iodine
The growing and/or harvesting of seaweed for iodine is a low-impact and planet-friendly approach to sourcing this mineral
Extraction From Natural Environment
The extraction of iodine from the natural environment is disruptive and destructive to surrounding ecosystem
Low-Impact Harvesting
The growing and/or harvesting of seaweed for iodine is a low-impact and planet-friendly approach to sourcing this mineral
Foods Rich In Iodine
Prominent iodine-rich foods include seafood, eggs, and dairy products however seaweed and iodized salt are good alternatives for those following a vegan diet
Iodine Overview
Iodine is an essential mineral that your body needs in order to function properly. Because your body cannot make it on its own, you must consume it in your diet. Iodine is found naturally in some foods and used to fortify others, such as “iodized” salt. Your body requires iodine in order to make the thyroid hormones that control your metabolism and various other bodily functions. Thyroid hormones are particularly important for proper bone and brain development during times of pregnancy and infancy so while consuming iodine is necessary for everyone, it’s especially vital for infants and those who are pregnant.
Popular sources of dietary iodine include fish such as cod and tuna, shrimp, and other seafood as well as dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese. Iodized salt is also readily accessible in the United States and many other countries.
What Is The Recommended Daily Amount of Iodine?
The recommended daily amount of iodine is 150 mcg per day through food and supplemental sources so we have formulated our Multivitamin for Vegans to meet this daily requirement. Iodine intake above this level is considered safe and the upper limit for daily iodine consumption is set at 1,100 micrograms, making over consumption unlikely.
Key Benefits of Iodine
Key Benefit 1
Iodine can help to bolster your body’s defenses by supporting immune-boosting antioxidants in the body.
Key Benefit 2
Iodine aids the formation of healthy and radiant skin by regulating moisture levels in the body Iodine provides protective properties for your skin such as accelerating the healing of wounds and slowing signs of aging.
Key Benefit 3
Because of its role in metabolic function, Iodine helps you to utilize calories throughout the day in order to feel energized
Key Benefit 4
Iodine promotes proper thyroid gland function, helping to regulate hormones and a healthy metabolis
Why Do Vegans Need Iodine?
There are various animal-based products that have high iodine content such as fish, shrimp, dairy products, and eggs. Seafood is generally iodine rich, with cod being a particularly rich source. Dairy products also provide significant amounts of iodine however it’s important to note that iodine found in cow's milk is not natural; it is a result of iodine supplementation of cattle feed and iodine-containing disinfectants used on milking equipment.
What Vegan Foods Are Rich In Iodine?
Seaweed is a great source of iodine as well as other vitamins and minerals. Popular seaweed varieties include wakame, kelp and nori. Although seaweed is one of the most potent natural sources of iodine, concentrations can vary significantly based on the type of seaweed and the region in which it is grown as well as oceanic conditions. Iodized salt is a form of fortified salt that can also deliver the recommended dosage and nutritional benefits of iodine for vegans.
Why Vegans May Need To Supplement Their Iodine Intake
Iodine deficiency is very common amongst vegans, with studies stating that 50-80% of vegans show signs of iodine deficiency. While iodized salt and sea vegetables like seaweed may contain high iodine levels, the concentrations vary due to ocean and soil depletion. Additionally, goitrogens, found in raw cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower, actually decrease iodine utilization. Combined with the fact that iodine is not found in most plant foods, supplementation is strongly recommended for vegans.
Iodine Sustainability
Why Is It Important To Know Where Iodine Comes From?
A large proportion of the world's industrial-grade iodine is sourced from brines that surround natural gas and oil wells or mined from caliche ore. In the United States, iodine is often extracted from deep well brines in Oklahoma. Sourcing Iodine in this way is destructive to the natural environment because it disturbs the surrounding ecosystems in these areas. Understanding the source of your iodine can help you to determine whether it was produced in extractive or regenerative ways - allowing you to make a more informed and compassionate decision for the planet. It’s likely that you are reading this because you have decided to embrace a plant based lifestyle because you care for the environment and your health just as much as we do. Being informed about the source of the things you consume, such as iodine, allows you to avoid purchasing products that are made in destructive ways!
How Do We Source Iodine Sustainably?
We’ve chosen to source the iodine in our Multivitamin for Vegans from Atlantic kelp because it’s a sustainable and vegan-friendly source of nutrients. The Atlantic kelp we use allows us to extract iodine from seaweed to create a sustainable iodine supplement. Because it’s extracted and grown indoors in Woodward, Oklahoma, it doesn’t have to travel far to make it to our production facility. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting our ingredients. Even better, Atlantic kelp grows abundantly year-round! While our source is grown indoors, this kelp variety can also be locally (and sustainably) wildcrafted during high tides when the kelp is floating and free of debris. This allows harvesters to easily cut the kelp and leave the holdfast (root) in place, enabling natural regrowth. Renewable, regenerative, and rich in Iodine, we’re crazy for kelp!
Discover Our Vegan Multivitamin's Other Ingredients
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Vitamin D3
Why Vitamin D3?Increases natural collagen production, while boosting your musculoskeletal system health and clearing skin.
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Iron
Why Iron?Enhances red blood cell production and oxygen flow and is known to promote athletic endurance.
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Magnesium
Why Magnesium?Helps your body absorb the other minerals in our formula for optimal effects.
