Kelp & Iodine

Kelp is a prolific, edible food from the algae family. It grows in both fresh water sources and the oceans around the globe. Containing more than 80 important nutrients, kelp is considered a "super food" and is gaining in popularity due to its health benefits. Iodine is one of the elemental nutrients found in kelp and other sea vegetables. According to the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders, iodine is a necessary component of the thyroid hormones and, therefore, is essential for life.

Types

Growing extensively along the Northern Pacific coastlines, kelp forests there consist of two primary types: bull kelp and giant kelp. They can reach lengths of 100 feet, and bull kelp grows up to 10 inches per day, according to the National Marine Sanctuary. Bladder wrack and Norwegian kelp are two varieties found in the North Atlantic regions. From a health perspective, the forms of iodine that are bio-available or antibacterial---potassium iodide, iodate and elemental iodine---are the most important.

Significance

Along with other sea vegetables, kelp is nature's best source of iodine. According to Dr. Lee Jong-wook, former director-general of the World Health Organization, iodine deficiency is a major threat to the health and development of people worldwide, particularly preschool children and pregnant women. If pregnant women do not have enough iodine in their diet, their unborn babies are at serious risk of brain damage.

Benefits

The benefits of kelp and iodine include overall better health, which enhances the quality of life. In his book, "Fighting Radiation with Foods, Herbs and Vitamins," naturopathic doctor Steven Schechter says, "There is no family of foods more protective against radiation and environmental pollutants than sea vegetables." In addition to iodine, kelp is an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, iron and the B-vitamins folate, riboflavin and pantothenic acid. The notable benefit of iodine is its assistance to the thyroid gland, enabling it to perform the tasks of regulating the body's hormones, metabolism and glucose levels, among others.

Dietary Sources

Simple ways to add kelp and iodine into the daily diet are via kelp capsules, which are sold in natural food markets; soups featuring kelp; and iodine supplements, which are also found in natural food markets and vitamin stores. Sea vegetables, including kelp, are more readily available at conventional grocery stores due to their growing popularity. You can add sea veggies to soups and salads or enjoy them with sushi and other traditional Asian meals.

Considerations

Handle pure iodine with care. It is poisonous if ingested and can burn the skin and damage the sensitive mucous membranes and eyes. The International Programme on Chemical Safety posted a study on their site showing that chronic topical use of povidine-iodine by a mother during pregnancy may cause clinical and biochemical hypothyroidism in her baby.