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YouTubeA common source of iodine is iodized salt. But what happens if we eat processed foods and don't prepare our meals at home? NIH: Iodine (Fact Sheet for Consumers) explains:
Aha! So as a vegan, if we eat large amounts of processed foods, can we go iodine deficient? Yes.
(5 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "Most plant-based milks are not fortified with iodine."
A good video that explains how vegans may become iodine deficient.
An interesting tidbit I learnt: Dairy foods have iodine. How come? Dr Greger explains: "because iodine-based cleansers like betadine are used to sanitize the udders, which results in some iodine leaching into the milk. They also add iodine to cattle feed, and some commercial breads have iodine-containing food additives." So as a vegan (who diligently avoids animal products), we lose out on the iodine found in milk.
(1 min) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "Average vegan diets tend to be deficient in three nutrients, whereas average omnivores tend, unfortunately, to be deficient in seven."
The three nutrients are iodine, calcium and B12.
Sonam Kapoor is a Bollywood celebrity who triggered iodine deficiency after turning vegan. This news article says:
A simple solution for vegans who consume lots of processed foods is to start preparing healthier meals at home and use iodized salt! Or else, we may take an iodine supplement, or eat sea vegetables (nori, wakame or arame) or seek iodine fortified plant-based milk. As of 2021, some brands have started making such milk. For details, see Iodine Sources.
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