11. Bioavailability and Soil Quality
The eleventh fact highlights a less-discussed aspect of iodine nutrition – the role of soil quality. Just as with other minerals, the iodine content of plant foods can be heavily influenced by the iodine content of the soil in which they’re grown.
In regions where the soil is deficient in iodine, plant foods grown in that soil will also be low in iodine. This is one reason why iodine content can vary widely among plant foods, making it harder to rely solely on these foods for adequate iodine intake.
The issue of soil quality underscores the importance of diversifying your diet and not relying on a single food or group of foods for your iodine needs. Including a variety of iodine-rich foods in your diet can help ensure that you’re getting enough of this essential mineral. (11)
