theYogaDr., an online advisory for vegans and vegetarians, reported a study published last year as "the first to look specifically at the iodine status and thyroid function of U.S. vegetarians. It showed that iodine deficiency is a concern for vegans and for vegetarians who consume little dairy. Iodine deficiency leads to thyroid problems."

The cited study was co-authored by ICCIDD Americas Deputy Regional Coordinator, Dr. Elizabeth Pearce.

The article in theYogaDr. continued to warn vegetarians that while "salts labeled as 'sea salt' or 'natural salt' are hip now" they supply little iodine. "Iodized salt can be significantly safer than seaweed as a primary source for vegans," it concludes.