What is IODINE from KELP and what are its benefits?

Iodine from Kelp contains natural iodine from Varec (Ascophyllum nodosum) extract. Iodine is an essential mineral for healthy thyroid function. The pristine marine environment in which Kelp is found enriches this family of algae with iodine and other essential minerals needed to maintain human health. Clinically used by naturopathic doctors to treat hypothyroidism, kelp contains a complete complex of trace elements, B vitamins, enzymes, fibre and more.

Iodine, this trace element, is integral to the healthy functioning of the human body, playing a major role in balancing the body and providing key benefits:

• It plays a role in the production of thyroid hormones and regulation of the thyroid gland;
• Helps maintain cognitive function;
• Ensures a balanced nervous system;
• Helps in the formation of blood cells;
• Regulates body temperature;
• Strengthens heart function;
• Has metabolic benefits, with effectiveness in detoxifying and draining slow digestion and the ability to inhibit enzymes responsible for blood glucose levels.
• Supports efforts to reduce salt consumption. Due to its low sodium content, it is an excellent support in reducing salt intake. If your doctor has advised you to reduce your salt intake, you may want to use natural iodine to maintain healthy iodine levels. Supplementing with iodine extracted from seaweed is consistent with following these preventive health measures, as its sodium content is one tenth that of salt for the same amount of iodine. This is a significant advantage in fighting hypertension – the ‘silent killer’ – without adversely affecting your iodine levels.
• Helps with weight control. Until recently, this product was prescribed rather experimentally by doctors and naturopaths, but its credibility has been enhanced with the identification through extensive scientific research of several benefits: metabolic effects, effectiveness at “detoxifying/draining” slow digestion, and the ability to inhibit certain enzymes that promote the maintenance of high blood glucose levels. This last problem is responsible for sugars remaining longer in the body and, as an undesirable result, leads to persistent overweight.

Why is it important to supplement with iodine?

Too little iodine can lead to an enlarged thyroid gland and impaired thyroid function, which in turn can lead to heart problems (palpitations) and weight problems. It is essential to ensure that the body has a balanced intake of iodine, taking care to check its source to ensure adequate levels. It is worth noting that 2-3% of the population suffer from hypothyroidism, the main symptoms of which are weight gain, fatigue, muscle weakness, brittle hair and nails and increased sensitivity to cold. Such people are normally iodine deficient, have poor pituitary gland function or suffer from autoimmune diseases.

Also, in hypothyroidism, the body’s metabolic rate is low. This is why most people with low thyroid experience weight gain. Secondly, low levels of thyroid hormones can affect the production of neurotransmitters and how well they are used in the brain and other parts of the body – this can lead to common symptoms of hypothyroidism such as depression, anxiety, poor memory, and insomnia. In this respect, it can also affect digestion because enzymes, like neurotransmitters, don’t work as they should when body temperature is low, and this can lead to poor digestion of food, which can manifest as gas, upset stomach, heartburn, or constipation.

Nowadays, however, iodine deficiency is relatively rare, the reason being that a few years ago the health authorities decided to take steps to prevent such deficiency by adding iodine to table salt. In other words, most people depend on salt and salty foods (such as bacon, ready-made meals, or salty biscuits) for an adequate intake of iodine. However, salt is known to have a particularly adverse effect on blood pressure and vascular health in general. In addition, the average salt intake in all Western countries is much higher than that recommended by the World Health Organisation (maximum 5 g per day), regularly exceeding up to 20 g per day. 

What are the best sources of iodine?

Although reducing salt intake is essential, it is still important to maintain your iodine intake. To do this, you need to eat naturally iodine-rich foods – which are not so abundant in your daily diet. Among the best sources of natural iodine are seafood, fish (anchovies, sardines, mackerel) and certain types of seaweed, such as seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum), also known as knotted wrack or kelp in North America. This is a particularly useful source of iodine because it also contains specific polysaccharides called fucans, which provide a few health benefits. It is widely used as a salt substitute, an aid for weight loss diets, as well as for its nutritional properties.

Given that the WHO also recommends restricting fish consumption (due to exposure to methylmercury which is toxic to the human central nervous system), seaweed is by far the best option for ensuring a healthy iodine intake. There are other algae that are extremely beneficial to health, such as spirulina.

Each tablet contains:

*NRV = Nutrient Reference Value according to Regulation 1169/20211

Does not contain: artificial colours, preservatives or sweeteners, dairy products, sugar, wheat, gluten, ferments, soy, corn, eggs, animal products, salt, nuts, no GMOs.

The recommended way of use (adults): ½ (half) tablet per day or as recommended by a specialist (daily dose provides 375 mcg Iod/250%VNR*). This dose is not associated with any contraindications and provides the benefits of seaweed as described above.

Why is IODINE from KELP special?

This variety of pure kelp is harvested from the forests of Varec (Ascophyllum nodosum) in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and is finely ground and tested in special laboratories to exclude possible contaminants. The best source of this highly beneficial seaweed is found in the clear, uncontaminated waters of the North Atlantic. Once harvested, it is processed into powder and tablets to ensure maximum action and increased bioavailability.

Warnings

• If you are taking prescription medication, consult your healthcare professional before using the supplement.
• Consult your specialist before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose for daily consumption.
• Keep out of reach and sight of small children.
• Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Recommendation

• Depending on health status, may be combined with other available supplements and enhanced formulas to promote thyroid balance and boost thyroid function such as THYROSYN and Vitamin D3.