Kelp

 
Kelp

Kelp is a sea vegetable that is a concentrated source of minerals, including iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Kelp as a source of iodine assists in making thyroid hormones, which are necessary for maintaining normal metabolism in all cells of the body.

Also indexed as:
  • Ascophyllum nodosum,
  • botanicals,
  • herbal dietary supplements,
  • herbal medicine,
  • herbal remedies,
  • herbal therapy,
  • herbalism,
  • kelp,
  • Laminaria,
  • Laminaria digitata,
  • plant Medicine

About this treatment

How to Use It

Since the introduction of iodized salt, additional sources of iodine, such as kelp, are not necessary for most people. However, kelp can be consumed as a source of other minerals. A report from Great Britain indicated that the average kelp-based supplement contained 1,000 mcg of iodine (the adult RDA in the United States is 150 mcg per day). It has been suggested that intakes above 2,000 mcg per day should be regarded as excessive or potentially harmful.

Where to Find It

Kelp can be one of several brown-colored seaweed species called Laminaria.

Possible Deficiencies

People who avoid sea vegetables, as well as dairy, seafood, processed food, and the salt shaker, can become deficient in iodine. Iodine deficiency can cause low thyroid function, goiter, and cretinism. Although iodine deficiency is now uncommon in Western societies, the U.S. population has shown a trend of significantly decreasing iodine intake.


Last Review: 05-11-2011

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