The iodine in women’s health

Groups that are most at risk for iodine deficiency include pregnant women and women aged 40-49, as well as vegans and vegetarians. Photo: TNS

Forty per cent of the world’s population is affected by iodine deficiency.

Much of it is due to inadequate iodine intake through food sources, but changing formulas in commercial food production have eliminated iodine from foods like bread, and the addition of fluoride in drinking water sources obstructs proper iodine absorption.