Veganism as a cause of iodine deficient hypothyroidism

Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of acquired hypothyroidism worldwide. Although uncommon in the Western world, the incidence of iodine deficiency may be rising due to the increased use of restrictive diets.

We present a 23-month-old boy diagnosed with iodine deficiency hypothyroidism, induced by a vegan diet.

This case highlights the risk for iodine deficiency in children on a vegan diet after discontinuation of breast/formula feeding that could lead to acquired hypothyroidism.