We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Connection Between Kelp and Iodine?

By Amanda Piontek
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,596
Share

Kelp is a seaweed that grows in cool water along rocky coastlines. Iodine is a trace element required by the human body and found abundantly in kelp. A type of brown algae, kelp is high in many other vitamins and minerals as well, including phosphorus, iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. Perhaps one of the richest dietary benefits is the link between kelp and iodine. Iodine is essential for proper thyroid function, and iodine deficiencies can cause a multitude of problems including goiters and developmental delays.

Kelp is found in shallow, nutrient-rich salt waters. It is fast-growing and requires plenty of light. The seaweed thrives on sturdy, heavy rocks where it can grow without the threat of being uprooted and washed away by storms or disturbances. Kelp is an important member of the oceanic ecosystem, providing shelter and food to many fish, invertebrates, and sea mammals.

There are many health benefits of kelp and iodine. Iodine is essential for the human thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones are responsible for regulating metabolism as well as energy and bone growth. Kelp and iodine are often taken by people with under-active thyroid, as hypothyroidism can be caused by a deficiency of iodine in the body.

Kelp and iodine supplementation is a beneficial way to ensure that the proper amounts of many vital nutrients are present in the diet. Kelp is available in several different forms including kelp powder, kelp capsules and tablets, kelp extract, and both dried and raw kelp. It is not recommended to consume more than the maximum upper intake levels of kelp and iodine, as iodine toxicity can inhibit the thyroid hormones and cause discomforts such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Iodine deficiency can lead to different health problems. When the demand for thyroid hormone is greater than the body can produce due to a lack of iodine, the thyroid gland enlarges. This is known as a goiter. Because of the location of the thyroid, swelling of this gland leads to an enlarged neck and difficulty breathing or eating. Depending on the size and severity of the goiter, treatments include oral iodine, hormone replacement therapy, and surgery.

Another problem caused by the need for iodine is a syndrome called cretinism. This severe result of the lack of iodine causes deformities of the skeleton, particularly the skull. Cretinism can result in dwarfism and very serious developmental delays. Iodine deficiency and cretinism are not common in areas of the world which utilize iodized salt, a program introduced to combat the goiters and developmental delays caused by a lack of iodine in the diet.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-connection-between-kelp-and-iodine.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.