The risks are even higher in women.
Our Western eating habits have continued to evolve over time, leading to an increase in certain deficiencies in minerals essential for the proper functioning of the body, warns the World Health Organization. In particular, “iodine deficiency, particularly mild deficiency, which remains a widespread problem in the European Region […] and which has a major impact on the health of the population”we can read in his reportt published at the end of June 2024 with the Global Iodine Network (IGN). The problem is also visible in France. While men manage to cover the recommended daily iodine requirements for adults (150 µg), French women are currently deficient (135 µg on average).
The institution points out that the majority of salt consumption now comes from meals outside the home and processed foods, often using non-iodized salt. But above all from the decrease in consumption of dairy products of animal origin (cow’s milk, cheese, etc.), gradually replaced by plant-based dairy products (plant-based drinks and yogurts, etc.) devoid of iodine, particularly among women who already have a higher risk of deficiency and thyroid diseases than men.
This is a “very serious” public health problem, deplores Dr. Vincent Reliquet, general practitioner and author of the book The powers of iodine (ed. Guy Trédaniel), interviewed by Our time. “In Western Europe (region which includes France, editor’s note)most iodine intake is no longer achieved through seafood but through dairy products […] But it is certain that from the moment we no longer consume enough dairy products, the rare iodine intake that persisted in Western Europe will completely collapse.”
Iodine, however, plays a fundamental role in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which are involved in the processes of cell growth and maturation, maintenance of body temperature, regulation of energy expenditure and protein synthesis. The potential consequences of iodine deficiency can be serious, including effects on brain development in early life, an increased risk of goiter, thyroid nodules and hyperthyroidism in adults. The risks of untreated hyperthyroidism include:
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Heart failure
- Osteoporosis
- Unfavorable pregnancy outcome
- Cognitive disorders in the elderly.
“Please note that certain populations are particularly affected by iodine deficiency, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women and smokers, who have greater iodine needs and who must be a little more vigilant about their iodine intake.“, nutritionist Caroline Seguin told us in a previous article.
To reduce the risks of iodine deficiency, WHO is urgently calling on all countries to fortify all salt (including salt in processed foods), milk and plant-based alternatives to dairy products with iodine. Many European countries such as Belgium and Finland already recognise the benefits of fortifying some staple foods, such as bread, with iodized salt, says Medscape Medical News Rodrigo Moreno-Reyes, MD and IGN regional coordinator for Western and Central Europe.