Iodine status in vegans consuming a living food diet

Abstract

The dietary intake and urinary output of iodine and the thyroid activity was measured in 12 living food eaters (people consuming uncooked, Lactobacilli rich vegan food) and omnivores. Seven day food record was used for calculating the dietary iodine intake, instrumental neutron activation analysis for measuring the urinary iodine output and RIA for determining of the thyroid hormones (TSH and FT4). The living food eaters were divided into two groups according to urinary iodine output: high iodine group (≥900 ug/d) and low iodine group (<200 ug/d). Thyroid activity in both groups was with in normal range. Dietary intake of iodine was dependent on the the use of seaweed. The highest amounts of dietary iodine observed in the present study, as assessed by the the urinary iodine output, can be harmful for susceptible subjects. On the other hand the calculated intake of iodine by living food eaters didn't fill the RDA. As an conclusion on a living food diet one has to ensure the sufficient intake of iodine by consuming seaweed or Kelp tablets daily. However the intake of these preparations needs to be kept at reasonble limits due to their possible high iodine content. More information of the iodine content of different seaweeds and seaweed products is needed.