Kelp is a type of brown algae/seaweed that is naturally rich in iodine but also contains other beneficial nutrients. Iodine is a mineral that contributes to normal thyroid function and affects the production of the thyroid hormones involved in the body’s metabolism. Iodine deficiency is a widespread problem around the world, although in recent years it has improved as more people use iodine-enriched salt.
We can get iodine from food, for example from: kelp, sea salt, iodized salt, saltwater fish and shellfish, dairy products, meat, and eggs. However, it is difficult to measure iodine levels in animal products, as the level of iodine depends on the animals’ access to iodine-enriched salt stone or iodine rich animal feed. Since Kelp is naturally rich in iodine, the levels of iodine won´t be affected in the same way as in animal products.
Iodine contributes to normal production of thyroid hormones, to the nervous system function, and to the cognitive function. Iodine also has an impact on your skin. Your body contains about 20 to 50 milligrams of iodine, 75% of all iodine in the body is found in the thyroid gland. Therefore, most of iodine is found in the thyroid gland and muscles, and a small amount in the skin and skeleton.
There is a strong link between iodine and the function of the thyroid gland (the hormones T3, T4 & TSH) that contribute to normal thyroid function. Also, other nutrients affect the thyroid function, two of these substances are selenium and zinc.
Iodine deficiency is most common if you have a poor diet, do not use iodized salt, or if you are a vegetarian or a vegan. It has also been shown that people with IBD have a deduced uptake of iodine.
If the body does not get enough iodine, the production of thyroid hormone decreases, and hypothyroidism occurs. The classic sign of severe iodine deficiency is an enlarged thyroid gland, and impaired metabolism. Other symptoms of iodine deficiency include fatigue, muscle weakness, soreness in the breasts, sudden or unexplained weight gain, dry skin, and sensitivity to temperature changes. During pregnancy, iodine supplements can be especially important, because iodine deficiency can lead to stunted growth, mental and neurological development in the baby.
Selenium acts as a co-factor in antioxidant activities and thyroid hormone metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties. Organic and nonorganic selenium compounds have different metabolisms and different bioavailability and which is needed to convert T4 into active T3 hormone. So even if we have enough iodine in the body and an adequate production of the hormones, the transformation may not occur sufficiently if we are deficient in selenium. The enzymes that enable this conversion contains selenoproteins. Studies show, that ingestion of selenium also seems to be able to affect the composition of the intestinal flora and for the bacteria to colonize in the gut. About one-fourth of all bacteria have genes that encode selenoproteins. It is common to have a lack of selenium in people with IBD (about 30%). Selenium seems to be important because the selenoproteins can reduce inflammation.
Selenium and Zinc interact with Iodine in a synergistic way to contribute to normal thyroid function. All three minerals interact in a positive way:
• Iodine contributes to increased production of thyroid hormones.
• Selenium helps convert T4 into active T3 hormone.
• Zinc is needed for the secretion of the hormone TSH that stimulates the thyroid gland.
According to the Swedish National Food Agency, the recommended daily intake of iodine is 150 micrograms. The body has no way to store iodine, therefore it is necessary to continuously supply the body with iodine via the diet. It is recommended, for pregnant women to have a slightly higher intake, as iodine contributes to growth and normal development in children, a maximum intake of 250 micrograms per day.
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