When we think about the nutrients we need each day vitamins C, D and E, calcium and folate may be the first ones that spring to mind. What about iodine though?

Iodine is a trace element naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available to buy as a dietary supplement. It’s an essential component of thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which are required for development of the central nervous system in foetuses and infants. Later in life these hormones work to regulate biochemical processes in our body such as protein synthesis and enzymatic activity; hence they’re critical in the determination of metabolic activity (1).

Nearly 74% of healthy adults in the developed world consume less than the recommended dose of iodine each day (150mcg for those aged 14+ (1)). over the past 40 years cases of iodine deficiency have risen more than fourfold (2,3). Concerns surrounding the so-called ‘obesity epidemic’ are widespread, and as such iodine deficiency is gaining media attention due to the role it plays in activity of the thyroid. Iodine supplementation has been shown to reduce elevated both LDL and total cholesterol levels in previously overweight women (4,5).

To help us boost our iodine intake, the Daily Mail published a piece entitled ‘Do YOU get enough of the nutrient that boosts your brain? How you can boost your iodine intake through wide variety of foods (including ice cream!)’, helpfully providing us with a few options of iodine rich food (6).

I thought I’d have a look at the options they suggest, and evaluate their level of accuracy...

Read Heidi's full blog on Students 4 Best Evidence, here!