Found naturally in dairy milk, iodine plays an essential role in supporting normal energy production, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing - key factors for athletes both on and off the pitch.
Iodine and health
Iodine is an essential mineral that contributes to several important bodily functions, including:
- Energy release - helps the body release energy from food, supporting daily activity and training demands.
- Cognitive function - helps with mental activities that affect our attention, memory and ability to think, make decisions, and solve problems - functions that are important for both learning and sporting activities.
- Thyroid function - helps maintain overall body regulation and wellbeing.
Each of these roles make iodine relevant to student athletes, helping to maintain energy, focus, and general wellbeing, and supporting their ability to manage both sporting and academic demands.
Dairy Milk: A Reliable Source
Dairy milk is one of the main sources of iodine in the UK diet, with a standard 200 ml glass of semi-skimmed milk providing 41% of our daily iodine needs.
It’s also an affordable and easy option to fit into students’ routines. Other foods, such as fish and eggs, also contain iodine, but plant-based drinks often have little or no iodine unless fortified.
Practical Takeaways for Coaches
Coaches can play a great role in encouraging healthy choices for students, such as to:
- Include milk as part of a varied, balanced diet, to help athletes meet their iodine needs.
- Inform athletes that milk is a source of iodine, contributing to energy and mental focus helpful in their sport and student life.
- For those choosing plant-based drinks, check labels to ensure they contain iodine.
