Iodine is a critical trace element that is naturally present in some foods and in the earth's soil. It is needed by the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones. It regulates many physiological functions within our body, including appropriate immune responses, and is essential for proper skeletal and central nervous system development in foetuses and infants.
Because our bodies do not produce iodine, it is easy to become deficient in it. This is where it gets dangerous because a lack of iodine can lead to problems such as hypothyroidism, goiter (enlargement of the thyroid), and intellectual disabilities in children whose mothers were iodine deficient during pregnancy.
So how much iodine are we supposed to be ingesting on a daily basis?
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for anyone aged over 19 years is 150 micrograms a day [1]. For pregnant and lactating women, the RDA is 220 and 290 micrograms respectively [2]. Take care of yourselves and your kids ladies because the effects of iodine deficiency are more pronounced in pregnant women and their infants hence why the RDA’s slightly higher!
Have you ever wondered if you might be iodine deficient?
Have you ever wondered if you're getting enough iodine in your diet? Probably not, it’s one of those elements that just goes under the radar.
Iodine is a critical trace element that is naturally present in some foods and in the earth's soil. It is needed by the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones. It regulates many physiological functions within our body, including appropriate immune responses, and is essential for proper skeletal and central nervous system development in foetuses and infants.
Because our bodies do not produce iodine, it is easy to become deficient in it. This is where it gets dangerous because a lack of iodine can lead to problems such as hypothyroidism, goiter (enlargement of the thyroid), and intellectual disabilities in children whose mothers were iodine deficient during pregnancy.
And where can we get our iodine from?
Sadly, in some parts of the world, iodine deficient soil is common which thereby influences the amount of iodine in crops. This in turn increases the risk of iodine deficiency in people who consume foods primarily from these areas. Luckily this is a globally recognised phenomenon which has been addressed by implementing iodised salt into diets around the world.
The problem this poses now is that those who are at risk of high blood pressure (generally people who are 50 and over) are now at risk of iodine deficiency - well this sucks.
Fret not though because kelp is on its way (sorry it had to be done)! Seaweed is one of the best food sources of iodine (amongst other trace elements) and has been shown to decrease blood pressure [3], prevent certain types of cancer [4], and maintain gut health through its rich fibre content [5]. I know, I know, you’ve probably heard me say this a million times but it's true!
Given its versatility, it can be used in many dishes such as sushi, soups, salads, and smoothies. The advantage of taking it in a supplement though is that you know exactly how much you’re taking and where it's coming from.
Ocean & Green seaweed is hand-harvested from the shores of Kaka Point, processed and bottled in a facility (independent testing) and shipped directly to you. That’s it! There's no nasty additives, no encapsulating aids and is 100% organic.
Be kind to your body and start infusing some good old iodine in your diet with our seaweed, it’ll do you the world of good!
References:1. Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. 2001.2. WHO Secretariat, Andersson M, de Benoist B, Delange F, Zupan J. Prevention and control of iodine deficiency in pregnant and lactating women and in children less than 2-years-old: conclusions and recommendations of the Technical Consultation. Public Health Nutr. 2007 Dec;10(12A):1606-1611. 3. Teas J, Baldeón ME, Chiriboga DE, Davis JR, Sarriés AJ, Braverman LE. Could dietary seaweed reverse the metabolic syndrome? Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):145-154.197131724. Park EJ, Pezzuto JM. Antioxidant marine products in cancer chemoprevention. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2013;19(2):115-138.233979325. Holscher HD. Dietary fiber and prebiotics and the gastrointestinal microbiota. Gut Microbes. 2017;8(2):172-184.28165863Collage