The Bioavailability of Iodine in Plant-based Milk Alternatives

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SURREY · Jan 9, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how well the body can absorb iodine from different types of milk, specifically plant-based milk alternatives like soya and oat milk, compared to traditional cow's milk. Iodine is important for making hormones that help manage growth and metabolism, and there are concerns that many people may not be getting enough iodine, especially in the UK. This is particularly crucial for pregnant women, as low iodine levels can affect their children's development.

To participate in the trial, you need to be a healthy adult aged 18 or older, speak English, and not have any allergies to the study drinks. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those following a vegan diet cannot take part. Participants will drink each type of milk once a week, after following a low-iodine diet for three days, and will keep a diary of what they eat and collect urine samples to help measure how much iodine their bodies absorb. This study will provide valuable information about whether plant-based milk can effectively supply the iodine our bodies need.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Self-reported healthy adults
• • Aged 18+
• • English speakers
• • Signed consent form
• • No allergies or intolerances to the study drinks
• • Not following a vegan diet (participants will be required to drink cow's milk)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnancy or lactating (according to the participants own statement)
• • Living outside of the UK
• • Involvement in another research study where diet is restricted or modified
• • History of thyroid disease (according to the participants own statement)
• • Any metabolic, gastrointestinal or chronic disease such as diabetes, hepatitis, hypertension, or cancer (according to the participants own statement)
• • Use of iodine containing supplements within 1 week prior to study start
• • Inadequate (\<70 µg/day) or excessive (\>500 µg/day) iodine intake from food (assessed during screening with previously validated iodine-specific FFQ)
• • Use of iodine-containing disinfectants (betadine)
• • Exposure to iodine-containing X-ray/ computed tomography contrast agent within the last month