{
  "id": 19204189,
  "title": "Plant-Based Milk Alternatives May Not Give You Enough Iodine. Here’s Why That Matters",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/plant-based-milk-alternatives-may-not-give-you-enough-iodine-heres",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-11-09T17:56:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Healthline News",
    "slug": "healthline-news",
    "url": "https://www.healthline.com/health-news/plant-based-milk-alternatives-dont-give-enough-iodine"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Recent studies reveal that switching dairy for plant-based alternatives could lead to insufficient iodine intake. Most plant-based milk, cheese, and yogurt products are not fortified with iodine, which is crucial for thyroid function, metabolism, and fetal development. Low iodine levels can result in hypothyroidism, causing symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and developmental issues during pregnancy. To maintain adequate iodine levels, select fortified plant-based alternatives, consume seafood and eggs, use iodized salt, or consult a healthcare professional about supplements. The UK-based research found that only 12% of analyzed plant-based products were iodine-fortified, compared to 61% for calcium and 46% for vitamin B12. Replacing even 20% of dairy intake with plant-based alternatives could elevate the risk of inadequate iodine intake, particularly among adolescent girls and women of reproductive age. The study emphasizes the importance of iodine, underscoring that many overlook its significance while shifting to plant-based diets.",
  "summary": "Recent research shows that swapping dairy for plant-based alternatives may reduce your iodine intake. Tanja Ivanova · Moment/Getty Most plant-based milk, yogurt, and cheese alternatives aren’t fortified with iodine, which may lead to iodine inadequacy if you replace even 20% of your dairy intake with these products. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, metabolism, and fetal brain…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}