# Eating within planetary boundaries - a cross-country analysis of iodine provision from the EAT-Lancet diet

## TL;DR

This study examines whether the EAT-Lancet diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods, provides enough iodine across different countries.

## Contribution

The study evaluates iodine provision in the EAT-Lancet diet across 16 countries using national food composition data.

## Key findings

- Iodine intake varied from 42 µg/day in New Zealand to 129 µg/day in the UK under strict adherence to the diet.
- Including fortified bread increased iodine levels, but most countries still fell below requirements for adults and pregnancy.
- The vegan adaptation of the diet showed similar iodine insufficiency in most countries.

## Abstract

The EAT-Lancet Commission’s 2019 reference diet promotes health and environmental sustainability through predominantly plant-based foods, raising concerns about micronutrient adequacy, particularly iodine. This study evaluated the iodine content of the EAT-Lancet diet across sixteen countries using national food composition data. Iodine intake was modelled under three scenarios: (1) strict adherence to specified food items; (2) inclusion of a broader range of foods within each group; and (3) a vegan adaptation. In Scenario 1, dairy products, fish, and eggs were primary iodine sources, with intakes ranging from 42 µg/day (New Zealand) to 129 µg/day (United Kingdom), covering 28–85% of the adult requirements. Scenarios 2 and 3 showed higher iodine levels in countries using fortified bread, but most remained below adult and pregnancy requirements. These findings underscore the need to carefully evaluate iodine provision of plant-based dietary recommendations, particularly in countries without a fortification policy, to prevent iodine insufficiency.