Iodine in a Low-Salt Diet

What do saltwater fish and seaweed have in common? Iodine. If you are reducing your salt, you may be missing it. 

When you follow a low-salt diet, you cut back on more than sodium. In the U.S., salt companies fortify their table salt with iodine. Kosher salts and select specialty salts are iodine free. By decreasing salt intake or using Kosher salt vs. table salt, you are reducing iodine consumption, as well. 

Iodine is important to your health, because it synthesizes thyroid hormones. The thyroid impacts metabolism, body temperature, growth, development, and other hormonal processes. If you do not have enough iodine intake, you will have low thyroid levels. 

The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults consume 150 mcg of Iodine per day. If you are following a low-salt diet, you need to ensure you are eating adequate amounts of iodine or are replacing it. 

Naturally, iodine is found most abundantly in seaweed and saltwater fish. Such foods aren't always an option on a low-salt diet. So, look for vitamins with iodine or other iodine fortified foods (some milk, eggs, and cereal now add iodine). 

For more information, consult your provider. 

Sources: IOM, CDC

Iodine in Low-Salt Diets

What do saltwater fish and seaweed have in common? Iodine. If you are reducing your salt, you may be missing it. 

When you follow a low-salt diet, you cut back on more than sodium. In the U.S., salt companies fortify their table salt with iodine. Kosher salts and select specialty salts are iodine free. By decreasing salt intake or using Kosher salt vs. table salt, you are reducing iodine consumption, as well. 

Iodine is important to your health, because it synthesizes thyroid hormones. The thyroid impacts metabolism, body temperature, growth, development, and other hormonal processes. If you do not have enough iodine intake, you will have low thyroid levels. 

The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults consume 150 mcg of Iodine per day. If you are following a low-salt diet, you need to ensure you are eating adequate amounts of iodine or are replacing it. 

Naturally, iodine is found most abundantly in seaweed and saltwater fish. Such foods aren't always an option on a low-salt diet. So, look for vitamins with iodine or other iodine fortified foods (some milk, eggs, and cereal now add iodine). 

For more information, consult your provider. 

Sources: IOM, CDC