There are few reasons to follow a low iodine diet, as iodine is a trace mineral that is necessary for thyroid function. However, there are certain instances when people need to watch iodine intake, such as when suffering from severe acne or skin problems or if one is preparing for a radioactive iodine treatment and needs to deplete the iodine stores within the body beforehand. Knowing which foods have iodine content will help you know which ones to avoid.
Iodized Salt
The number 1 food source of iodine is salt. To correct iodine deficiency, table salt has been "iodized" and contains high levels of iodine. Sea salt also contains iodine and should be avoided. You can look for "non-iodized" salt if you still wish to use salt as a season in your diet.
Seafood
Sea vegetables, such as kelp and seafood, often contain high levels of iodine. The amount of iodine found in products from the sea can vary greatly, depending upon the iodine content of their diet and the waters in which they were drawn from. When you are on a low iodine diet, it is best to avoid all seafood and sea vegetables, just to be safe.
Dairy Products
Dairy products contain higher levels of iodine because of their feed has iodine added to it. Interestingly, dairy products tend to contain less iodine in the warm months, as cows eat more from fresh pastures than from iodine-enriched grain and feed. Milk and milk products such as yogurt, cheeses, creams and butter all contain iodine.
Processed Foods
The amount of iodine in processed foods often depends upon the amount of iodine sources above that are in the food. Soups, meats, canned vegetables, breads and baked goods often contain iodine in the form of iodized salt. Many baked products contain an iodiate dough conditioner, which contains iodine. Milk is also commonly used in processed foods, from baked goods to chocolate to cheese snacks. Learn to read labels. The National Institutes of Health suggests that if the following items are listed on the label, the food should be avoided: iodized salt, sea salt, red dye #3, iodate, iodide, iodine, agar, nori, carraggnan and algin.
Miscellaneous Products
Some food dyes can contain iodine. Often these dyes can be found in certain vitamin supplements as well. Thoroughly read labels, or speak to your pharmacist, before purchasing vitamin supplements or medications if you are on a low iodine diet. Other foods to avoid, as listed by the National Institutes of Health, are whole eggs or egg yolks, turkey, potatoes in any form, rice and navy, red, pinto, kidney and lima beans.
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