Over 35% Of The Global Population Is Deficient In Iodine, New Research Reveals

Historically speaking, iodine deficiency hasn't been a major concern in the U.S. (or other developed countries) for quite some time. Starting in the U.S. in the 1920s (and across the world by the '90s), table salt began to be fortified with iodine, so most people got their fix without much thought.

However, thanks to changing dietary patterns (i.e., a shift toward plant-based diets) and conventional farming practices (which deplete soil of essential minerals), a recent Nutrients review1 reveals that iodine nutrition is an increasing concern in industrialized countries. In fact, the article reports that a whopping 35 to 45% of the world's population is iodine deficient, with 30% of the population insufficient.

Iodine is an essential trace mineral, which means the human body can't make it on its own and we need to consume enough from our diet and supplementation.

As a critical component of thyroid hormones T4 and T3, this all-important mineral is vital for not only hormone health but liver, kidney, muscle, blood sugar balance2, and brain function as well. In fact, the thyroid gland is home to 70 to 80% of the body's iodine1 in a healthy adult.

Iodine via the thyroid gland also helps regulate overall metabolism and is crucial for healthy fetal neurodevelopment during pregnancy.

While this essential mineral can be found in sea vegetables (e.g., seaweed, kelp, chlorella, spirulina), most iodine-rich foods come from animal sources—like fish, shrimp, dairy products, and eggs. This makes iodine especially difficult for plant-based folks to get enough of.

A simple solution? Taking a comprehensive, vegan multi—like mbg's ultimate multivitamin+.

A new Nutrients review reports that 35 to 45% of the world population1 is deficient in iodine—an essential trace mineral that supports thyroid health, brain function, and more. This is especially concerning for plant-based folks, considering most iodine-rich foods come from animal sources.

A comprehensive multi that contains a rich source of iodine (like mbg's ultimate multivitamin+) is an easy way to ensure you're getting enough of this critical mineral each day.