Iodine Status and Thyroid Function in a Group of Seaweed Consumers in Norway

Before we take a deeper dive into the benefits of seaweed for thyroid health, let’s first understand the role of the thyroid gland in our body. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck, just below the layrnx. It produces hormones that have wide ranging effects, including metabolism, appetite control, gut absorption, blood flow, menstruation and even sexual function. Importantly, thyroid hormones are crucial for brain development in the fetus and growth in young people.

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Speak with your physician before you decide on supplements — the metals in some seaweed pills could send you to the hospital, and they can be especially to dangerous to pregnant or lactating women and their babies. You can add powdered seaweed to your food; toast small pieces of seaweed for a tasty snack; or add larger pieces of a variety of seaweed to soups, grains, or vegetables. Kelp is a type of brown seaweed and is often found in dense, fixed areas called kelp beds or kelp forests.

Vegans and vegetarians have to be especially careful to ensure adequate iodine intake because meat and fishery products are often good sources, while vegetable products may be lacking when grown in iodine deficient soils. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, and it has a mighty mission deserving of national and global recognition. The thyroid gland produces the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which work together to regulate energy metabolism in nearly every human organ including the heart, lungs, digestive system, and reproductive system.

• In short, thyroid health is a growing concern in India, with 42 million people affected.
• This is especially true in the first weeks of life, as the developing foetus does not develop a functioning thyroid until about 18- to 20-week gestation during which time it is totally dependent on the mother to produce thyroid hormones necessary for growth and neuropsychological development 2.
• These antioxidants help protect the thyroid gland from oxidative stress and damage caused by harmful free radicals, promoting overall thyroid health.
• Whether it’s sushi rolls, seaweed salad, sheets of dried nori, or capsule supplements, there’s no shortage of opportunities to increase your seaweed intake.

Seaweed as a source of iodine

Seaweeds are also considered a rich source of magnesium, but the bioaccessibility of magnesium varies between seaweeds. Although more research is needed, some evidence shows seaweed may benefit thyroid function, blood sugar, heart health, and more. Many types of seaweed are available online and in stores, especially in Asian markets. High cholesterol levels and other blood lipids (fats) increase your risk of heart disease and metabolic disorders. Seaweed is high in fiber, and high-fiber diets are known to lower lipid levels.

We will provide helpful hints and highlight the best possible treatments available. We aim to provide the most comprehensive resource available about thyroid health and how to nourish, support and boost the thyroid gland in the most effective way to ensure optimal function. Excess iodine from kelp supplements can alter the dosage requirements for levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone replacement medication, in ways that are not predictable.

Consuming seaweed alone or as a dietary supplement is unlikely to be harmful if taken occasionally (once or twice a week). However, regular intake of iodine-rich seaweeds such as kelps (Laminaria/Ascophyllum/fucoids) has the potential of exposure to excess iodine with possible adverse effects on thyroid function, particularly in those with pre-existing thyroid disorder, pregnant women, and neonates 37, 38. The dietary preferences of vegetarians and vegans frequently result in iodine deficiency 38, 39.

• He confirmed his theory in 1819, just 8 years after Courtois’s discovery, by treating goiter patients with tincture of iodine extracted from seaweed.
• When considering iodine intake in a country or region, the average across the population can hide deficiencies in certain cohorts.
• The participants were encouraged to consume macroalgae in the same manner as usual, and were instructed to sample their urine 3–4 and 7–8 h after consumption.
• Although the patient had hypothyroidism, both anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were negative.
• Consequently, more human studies are needed to investigate the bioavailability of polyphenols from ingested whole seaweeds, as there is potential for seaweed-derived fermentable fibers and polyphenols to exert synergistic effects on the gut microbiota and the host.

This indicates that macroalgae were the main contributor to dietary iodine in this study. Due to the design of the study and the lack of accurate data on the iodine content of the consumed macroalgae products, we cannot report on the bioavailability of iodine. However, as the contribution of iodine from macroalgae was high, and by far exceeded the contribution from other foods, the absorbed amount of iodine is likely to be substantial.

The thyroid also produces calcitonin, which is needed in bone tissue to process calcium. The thyroid gland uses iodine to make these hormones, and too little or too much iodine can affect thyroid health. In this report, we present a case of hypothyroidism caused by chronic overconsumption of seaweed for health purposes. The patient was diagnosed through a detailed food consumption history triggered by abnormalities in the fecal contents found on an abdominal X-ray. This may also require an understanding of how the molecular weight of fucoidan affects bioactivity. Research indicates seaweed may help with diabetes by improving blood sugar regulation.

Incorporate sliced or chopped seaweed, such as hijiki, into your stir-fry dishes. Add it along with vegetables, protein, and your choice of seasonings or sauces for a nutritious and flavorful meal. Enhance the nutritional profile of order synthroid your soups or broths by adding seaweed. Kelp, wakame, or kombu can be simmered in the broth to infuse it with flavor and nutrients.

Kelp supplements can cause decreased thyroid function (hypothyroidism) in some people due to the high iodine content. The health and wellness industry is always buzzing about the latest superfoods and natural remedies. While seaweed has been a staple in some cuisines for centuries, it has emerged as a potential ally for individuals with Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism.