WHY A DAIRY-FREE DIET CAN BE DANGEROUS HEALTH BOOSTER!

Experts are warning that iodine deficiency is on the rise as more of us ditch dairy. Dr Christian explains why it’s a worry Recent research found 98 per cent of adults don't get enough Omega-3. Drizzle salads with Andean Sol Extra Virgin Olive and Chia Oi

he World Health T Organisation says iodine deficiency is the world’s most prevalent, yet easily preventable, cause of brain damage, because it makes the hormones that control fetal development – especially brain development. It’s also important for your metabolism.

FADDY EATING

The reason it’s suddenly a worry – and that 70 per cent of teenage girls are now deficient – is probably faddy diets.

Cows’ milk is our main source of iodine, providing 40 per cent of our daily intake, but milkalternatives like soya and rice only contain around two per cent of the iodine found in semi-skimmed cows’ milk.

Young women are ditching dairy because they think it gives them spots or IBS, but that could be a major problem. I drink soya milk, but I eat cheese and yoghurt, so I do have dairy. If people like the taste of almond milk, that’s fine, but if they’re cutting out all dairy to “eat clean”, they will probably be lacking in iodine.

Some countries, like Nepal, are so high above sea level there is no iodine in their soil, so none of their food contains it and there’s a high incidence of iodine deficiency. In the UK our soil is high in iodine but, as people reject dairy, the deficiency is creeping back in.

KIDS’ NEEDS

Even more worrying is the trend for raising children who “eat clean”. An eight-year study of 14,000 mothers found that the children of women with low iodine levels had significantly lower verbal IQ at age eight, and reading accuracy and comprehension at nine. When kids go through growth spurts they have increased requirements for nutrients, so if they don’t have any dairy, they could be deficient.

If you are thinking about having a baby, it’s important that you build up your iodine stores. When you’re pregnant, and especially when breastfeeding, iodine is crucial as you need to pass it on to your baby for brain development.

Dairy is the best source of iodine, but you can find it in fish, meat and a little in nuts. You need 150mcg a day, the equivalent of a couple of eggs, a piece of salmon and a glass of milk, but 250mcg when pregnant or breastfeeding.

As a guide, 100g of white fish gives you 115mcg, 100g oily fish provides 50mcg, 2 eggs 40mcg. If you have cut out dairy or you’re vegan, think about where you’re getting it from, especially if you want to have children.