vegans, how do you know if you get enough iodine?

Question

I have mild hypothyroidism which I've been successfully treating for 15 years with synthroid. Although I grew up eating fish, I gave it up and eat vegan 90% of the time. I wonder if my thyroid function is affected by insufficient iodine in my diet, but since nothing's changed since I stopped eating seafood I don't think so. How do you know if you're getting enough, or too much? And what are good sources? Kelp? Supplements? Iodized salt (yuk)?

Yogini · Accepted Answer

You only need to consume 1/4 teaspoon of iodized salt to get the daily allowance although I also have to say yuck!  Seaweed particularly kelp a few times a week can be very helpful with iodine.  You can also take an iodine supplement but I've never had to do that.  My levels have always been fine.  B-12 is usually the troublesome one.  I supplement with that.  Nutritional yeast and I also take a supplement of 1,000 mcg (I think that's the right unit without looking at the bottle)

vegans, how do you know if you get enough iodine?

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