Seaweed for Thyroid Health Dr Marita Schauch
It is nutrient-rich (a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber) and is low in sugar and fat. Seaweed also contains polyphenols, which offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Many diseases are linked to oxidative stress, and antioxidants in brown seaweed appear to help alleviate oxidative stress. Consumption must be fairly high—more than 4 grams daily—and results are inconsistent across studies. Other components in seaweed may have an effect similar to those of blood pressure medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Both the medications and seaweed inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme—a key compound involved in blood pressure control.
Some authors have suggested that excessive seaweed consumption may itself result in chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis 43. Iodide-induced goitre was first reported in the residents of the island of Hokkaido, Japan, termed “endemic coastal goitre” 44. Iodization of table salt in Denmark showed a decrease in goitre and hyperthyroidism, mainly toxic nodular goitre, but a small increase in hypothyroidism 45.
- This led to a more diverse diet, in contrast to just eating food produced in the low-iodine soil in any one region.
- Winged kelp has been shown to be high in iodine (181–1070 µg/g dry weight), while dulse is lower (72–293 µg/g dry weight) 57.
- But it is also thought that, as the popularity of plant-based diets grow, iodine insufficiency may become more widespread – because iodine is typically gained through fish or meat in the diet.
- He also recovered completely and did not develop permanent hypothyroidism after discontinuation of THRT.
- Some types of seaweed have a high concentration of arsenic and other heavy metals like lead, mercury, and aluminum.
- In one study of brown seaweed, participants saw a significant improvement in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, an essential measurement of blood sugar control.
Compared with median TSH levels for men and women (1.5 mIU/L) in a large-scale Norwegian study (Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT)) 40, the median TSH level of 1.8 mIU/L observed in the present study was higher. Similarly, the mean serum TSH (2.0 ± 0.9 mIU/L) was higher than mean TSH (1.5 (±0.02) mIU/L) of a disease-free population in the U.S. In our study, we cannot say whether the TSH levels increased due to macroalgae ingestion because of the nature of the observational study design. 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. The pre-determined sampling intervals were chosen based on the investigation of urinary iodine excretion in humans after consumption of Ascophyllum nodosum, conducted by Combet et al. 27. Urine samples were stored refrigerated (0–4 °C) until delivery at the Institute of Marine Research (IMR), where the samples were stored at minus 20 °C pending analysis of urinary iodine concentration (UIC), by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
A Word From Fitelo On “Seaweed For Thyroid Health”
Iodine-supplemented milk alternatives may be available, but as with other supplements consumed by vegans, seaweed additives made from brown seaweeds may contain excess iodine 25. Use of iodized salt with or without appropriate supplements to achieve adult or pregnancy daily (150 or 250 μg) intakes in vegans and non-vegans alike is recommended 37, 38, 39. Iodine was joined with seaweed at birth as Courtois in 1811 in France searching on behalf of his emperor for sources of nitrates to use in gunpowder found that seaweed when burned gave off a vapour. In 1813, Gay Lussac named this vapour iodes, the Greek word for “violet coloured,” subsequently shown as a constituent of thyroxine (T4) and as an active goitre-preventing ingredient 1.
And this is why the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction can be so detrimental to many aspects of our broader health and wellbeing. Of these, 24 individuals chose not to participate for unknown reasons, leaving 46 participants enrolled by signing and returning the written informed consent form. Two individuals not consuming seawater macroalgae were excluded from the analysis, leaving a study population of 44 participants. Oarweed, also known as tangleweed and scientifically as Laminaria digitata, was a preferred species due to its high iodine content. Between 33 to 44 pounds of elemental iodine could be extracted per ton of oarweed.
Assessment of Iodine Intake
However, excessive iodine consumption can also increase the risk of developing thyroid nodules. If you have thyroid nodules, consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and ensure consuming sea moss supplements is a safe and efficient remedy for you. Most people will consume traces of iodine in their diet, which will probably help avoid iodine deficiency. Remember that iodine content varies between species of seaweed, but all varieties are a rich source.
Seaweed’s nutritional benefits
This means that anyone following a vegan diet is especially at risk of not sourcing enough iodine in their diet. More and more consumers are going vegan – 3% of the population in Europe are thought to be vegan 11 – and iodine is not always added to plant-based food and drink. Although table salt is fortified with iodine in many countries, this is not the case in the UK. Although affecting many inland hilly regions, a condition called Derbyshire Neck became well known even though nearby areas such as Yorkshire also had high iodine deficiency issues 5.
- We report the case of a previously healthy middle-aged man who developed hypothyroidism due to chronic excessive iodine intake for health benefits.
- 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.
- For the species with the highest iodine content, sugar kelp, only 0.04 g was required to meet the daily recommended daily intake of 150 µg 37.
- 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.
On further questioning, the patient complains of a general history of fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, muscle aches and low mood. The patient has been making a concerted effort to lose weight but is, in fact, gaining weight. The thyroid gland can be found in the front, lower half of the neck where it is involved in the production of hormones such as triiodothyronine and thyroxine. These hormones help to regulate the body’s metabolism, helping you turn food into energy. In short, if your thyroid isn’t functioning properly, seaweedcan be a great place to start when it comes to dietary remedies.
Species spotlight: dulse
Different chemicals are used to iodise edible salt, including potassium iodate and sodium iodide. Traces of other chemicals may be added to help stabilise the iodine and prevent clumping. Adults need 150 µg of iodine daily, and 1-2 grams of dried buy synthroid seaweed a few times a week is sufficient. A few people are allergic to seaweed or have sensitivities to certain types. If you have known allergies to seafood or iodine, it’s advisable to exercise caution or avoid seaweed consumption altogether. It’s essential to maintain a balanced iodine intake and not exceed the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of iodine, which is 150 micrograms per day for adults.
4. Thyroid Hormones in Blood Samples
The granules can be added to salads, smoothies, or other recipes to add umami, minerals, and iodine. In 1866, it was discovered that iodine could be extracted from caliche deposits (nitrate salts) in the Atacama region of Chile, and around 1925 iodine began to also be extracted from oil well brines. These new sources ended the seaweed iodine extraction industry, but seaweed continues to be a preferred source of nutritional iodine for many. One study found that seaweed was an important source of iodine for the Inuit people of the Arctic, whose diet would otherwise be iodine deficient. Obtaining iodine from non-industrial sources, such as sea vegetables, appeals to many as a natural alternative. Multivitamin supplements are commonly used in the general population to achieve recommended daily intakes, but seaweeds may represent an abundant source of both fat- and water-soluble vitamins, as outlined in Tables S12, S13, and S14 in the Supporting Information online.