In October 2017 researchers from the UK published their analysis of the iodine content in seven types of milk-alternative drinks (soya, almond, coconut, oat, rice, hazelnut and hemp). A total of 47 products were analysed, with 5 conventional and 5 organic cow’s milk samples being included for comparison. Although many of the milk-alternative drinks were fortified with calcium at the time of this study, only three of the forty-seven drinks were fortified with iodine. Results showed that the iodine concentration in the 44 unfortified milk-alternative drinks was only between 1·7 % of that found in the samples of conventional cows’ milk. The iodine concentration of organic milk was also lower than that of conventional milk. Individuals who consume milk-alternative drinks that are not fortified with iodine may therefore be at risk of iodine deficiency, unless of course they have an intake of an alternative source of dietary iodine.
Bath SC et al. Iodine concentration of milk-alternative drinks available in the UK in comparison with cows’ milk. Br J Nutr. 2017 Oct;118(7):525-532.