Iodine status in vegetarians

A SMALL study (84 subjects) found that sub-optimal iodine status common amongst vegetarians. The study measured urinary iodine excretion in omnivores, ovo-lacto vegetarians and vegans. 

Those consuming plant-based diet were found to have lower iodine status than those consuming a mixed diet; 80% of vegans were found to be iodine deficient, 25% of lacto or ovo-lacto vegetarians were deficient, and less than 10% of those consuming a mixed diet were assessed as iodine deficient.