Tag: Natural iodine sources

According to the World Health Organization, iodine deficiency is a leading cause of preventable intellectual disability, and iodized salt has been a major public health intervention to combat it. So, is there a substitute for iodine salt that can provide this essential mineral, or must we rely on this fortified product?

Iodine is an essential trace mineral for human health, crucial for thyroid function and brain development. Before iodized salt was introduced globally in the 20th century to combat widespread deficiency, humans relied on diverse and often geographically specific natural sources for their iodine intake.

Iodine deficiency affects millions worldwide and remains a leading preventable cause of intellectual disability. While many rely on iodized salt, a balanced diet is the key to ensuring adequate intake, but the question remains: **where do you naturally get iodine from** through food?

For millennia, many populations living away from coastal regions faced the debilitating effects of iodine deficiency, a problem effectively solved for many by the introduction of iodized salt. This raises the question: how did humans get iodine before iodized salt, and what were the consequences of not having a consistent source?

Globally, an estimated 30% of the population faces insufficient iodine intake. If you are wondering how can I get iodine if I don't use iodized salt, rest assured there are many natural food sources to explore for adequate nutrient levels.