The human body needs iodine to complete critical functions such as the production of thyroid hormone. Since the body does not produce the element on its own, it has to be obtained through dietary sources in order to maintain optimal organ functions and brain health.
It was recently discovered in a study that seaweed can help boost iodine levels in women who are deficient. The study, which was published in the British Journal of Nutrition, found that seaweed supplements can help women reach their necessary daily intake.
According to the University of Glasgow, which helped conduct the study, seaweed could help improve iodine insufficiency. The study participants included women who were of child-bearing age but not pregnant and did not have a history of thyroid problems or gastrointestinal diseases. The participants did not regularly consume iodine.
Participants took Seagreens supplements, made from an organic kelp wild-harvested in the Scottish Isles, on a daily basis. During the study, iodine contained in the seaweed was released for a longer period of time and at a lower level.
"This study shows that seaweed offers a way of addressing iodine insufficiency in a healthy, palatable way. Seaweed could easily be added to staple food groups with no adverse effects on taste. However, caution must be exercised – not all seaweeds are the same, with some containing too much iodine, or heavy metals," says the study's leader, Dr. Emilie Combet.
As explained in an article from NutraIngredients, iodine insufficiency is an issue in the United States as well as the United Kingdom. Lack of iodine can result in an underactive thyroid gland, which contributes to feelings of tiredness, among other health risks.
Click here to read more about our Seagreens seaweed supplements.