Feeling tired, unfocused, or stuck in a haze? It might not just be stress, perimenopause or that third cup of coffee wearing off. A groundbreaking new report published in The Lancet this month reveals a shocking truth: 5.1 billion people - 68% of the global population - aren’t getting enough iodine in a silent health epidemic.
“For us in the UK, this is particularly worrying” says nutritionist and chartered psychologist Dr Naomi Newman-Beinart . “Previous studies have shown that British women and girls are at high risk of iodine deficiency , with over two-thirds of schoolgirls aged between 14 and 15 years found to be iodine deficient. The consequences could be more serious than you think.
Iodine plays a key role in producing thyroid hormones , which help regulate everything from our metabolism to brain function. Without enough iodine, you could start to notice a range of symptoms including constant fatigue, poor concentration, and ‘brain fog’. Sound familiar? If you’ve been feeling like you're trudging through your days in a haze, iodine deficiency could be the hidden culprit.
“Our primary sources of iodine are dairy and white fish, both of which many Brits don’t consume enough," says Dr Newman-Beinart. “Unlike many other countries, the UK doesn’t use iodised salt, and our diets are often overloaded with ultra-processed foods that lack essential nutrients like iodine. So, while we might think we’re getting everything we need from our food, we could be .