Algae and iodine: any link?

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Kelp is a seaweed that grows in cold water along rocky shores. Iodine is a trace element required by the human body and is found abundantly in algae. A type of brown seaweed, kelp is also rich in many other vitamins and minerals, including phosphorus, iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. Perhaps one of the richest dietary benefits is the link between algae 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, salty waters. It is fast growing and requires a lot of light. The algae thrive on strong, heavy rocks where it can grow without the threat of being uprooted and blown away by storms or riots. Kelp is an important member of the oceanic ecosystem, providing shelter and food for many fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals.

There are many health benefits of seaweed 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. People with an underactive thyroid often take seaweed and iodine, as hypothyroidism can be caused by a deficiency of iodine in the body.

Seaweed and iodine supplementation is a beneficial way to ensure that adequate 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 dried and raw kelp. Consuming more than the maximum upper intake levels for kelp and iodine is not recommended, as iodine toxicity can inhibit thyroid hormones and cause discomfort 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 lack of iodine, the thyroid gland becomes enlarged. This is known as a goiter. Due to the location of the thyroid, inflammation 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 iodine deficiency causes deformities of the skeleton, particularly of the skull. Cretinism can cause dwarfism and very severe developmental delays. Iodine deficiency and cretinism are not common in areas of the world that use iodized salt, a program introduced to combat goiters and developmental delays caused by lack of iodine in the diet.

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