The effect of sea kelp on thyroid function in hypothyroidism

Thus, the highest concentration of gaseous iodine is found over or close to the seaweed bed after dark on a calm night 13. Kelp is dried for use in supplements that are available in tablet, capsule or powder form. While iodine is essential for thyroid function, it is crucial to maintain a balance.

What Is Levothyroxine Used For?

This clinical history is compatible with a case of iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis followed by prolonged block of the sodium–iodide symporter activity as a consequence of excessive iodine consumption from kelp.
Chios in the Aegean is seaweed rich, while Zakynthos in the Ionian Sea has relatively little seaweed 53.
We believe powdered kelp is one of the best treatmentsfor SMID with ID in Japan.
In October 2021, with the same dose of levothyroxine, her TSH was normal (1.4mIU/L).

The combination of atmospheric and deposited iodine will make a contribution to iodine flux. A diagram showing an overview of iodine/iodide uptake and deposition patterns is shown in Figure 1. An October 2019 article published by the Cleveland Clinic says that those with thyroid issues don’t need to avoid kelp altogether, but also warns against taking it in supplement form. “People with thyroid issues should not have more than an average daily recommended intake of 158 to 175 micrograms of kelp per day,” synthroid uk they say. “The concentration of iodine in foods is generally not enough to cause a problem, but a kelp capsule can contain as much as 500 micrograms.” F)A 47-year-old woman was hospitalized with symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism after ingestion of 50 grams of seaweed (Kombu) for 5 years and at least 1 gram of Wakame for 6 months.

Kelp supplements may also slow blood clotting, impair fertility and interact with other medications and supplements. The maximum daily kelp dose still provides 150 percent of the iodine you need in a day, and taking more can cause problems. Getting too much iodine can make thyroid problems worse, and high doses around 2,000 mcg can be toxic.

Is a Kelp Supplement the Answer?

The effect of iodide on hyperthyroidism occurs over a variable period of time and the beneficial effect may disappear (Farwell & Braverman, 1996). A) The concentration of iodine in 21 different kelp products ranged from 100 micrograms/gram (mcg/gram) to 4200 mcg/gram. While the majority of the products originated in the United Kingdom, the product containing 4200 mcg/gram was produced in Australia. Products within the same brand but purchased at different stores contained varying amounts of iodine with differences as much as 100 mcg.

Kelp supplements may also contain arsenic — the EHP letter talks about a woman who suffered hair loss, fatigue and memory loss for two years while regularly taking up to four times the recommended dose. At that dosage level, you would be getting about 600 percent of your iodine needs, which can result in symptoms like nausea and vomiting, but the symptoms were eventually traced to the arsenic in the supplement. This is a simplified version of the reactions involving iodide and other iodine oxides. O3 in the lower atmosphere (troposphere) is the product of the reaction of chemical pollutants with sunlight and is a strong reactive oxygen species whose removal by seaweed is beneficial to human respiratory health 67.

The effect of sea kelp on thyroid function in hypothyroidism

Under these circumstances, median UIC of the population is expected to vary from100–199 µg/l (1). The principal pathway for iodine absorption is through the gut into the bloodstream from where it is carried to the thyroid and some extrathyroidal organs 49. Absorption is facilitated by the sodium iodide symporter which appears to be downregulated in iodine excess 49. Iodine can also be absorbed through the skin, and thyroid blockade has been reported in patients treated with povidone iodine during surgery 50. Earlier reports have suggested that living near the sea confers advantages in terms of population iodine status. However, recent studies from the author’s laboratory have shown that urinary iodine (UI) excretion in coastal areas did not differ substantially from their inland neighbours 13, 16.

Brand Names Associated with Levothyroxine

Previous endocrine tests revealed normal thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) plasma levels and absence of thyroid antibodies (AB). A detailed medical history revealed that for the past 3 months, she had self-administrated 2 tablets of a dietary supplement containing kelp for weight loss daily. The case we presented demonstrates that transient hyperthyroidism can be induced by excess iodine intake in persons with normal thyroid function.

While the majority of the products originated in the United Kingdom, the product containing 4200 mcg/gram was produced in Australia.
However, a greater number of obese and overweight people are utilizing complementary and herbal slimming medicines.
Q. When my internist noted a low-normal thyroid value, he suggested a thyroid supplement.
In some instances, such as in a multinodular goiter, the excess iodine can trigger hyperproduction of thyroid hormones leading to clinical signs of hyperthyroidism.

Consumers of marketed diets containing kelp or other iodine-rich ingredients should be advised of the risk to develop a thyroid dysfunction also in the absence of underlying thyroid disease. Iodine was joined with seaweed at birth as Courtois in 1811 in France searching on behalf of his emperor for sources of nitrates to use in gunpowder found that seaweed when burned gave off a vapour. In 1813, Gay Lussac named this vapour iodes, the Greek word for “violet coloured,” subsequently shown as a constituent of thyroxine (T4) and as an active goitre-preventing ingredient 1. As iodine is not produced in the body, daily intake is required from external sources. Thus, maternal iodine intake is necessary for both mother and baby to thrive, and even mild iodine deficiency can lead to lower cognitive development 3. The increased iodine requirement in pregnancy has led the WHO to recommend increasing iodine intake from 150 µg to 250 µg in pregnant mothers 4, 5.

Interaction with levothyroxine

Excess iodine from kelp supplements can alter the dosage requirements for levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone replacement medication, in ways that are not predictable. Some practitioners recommend that thyroid patients who are taking levothyroxine avoid seaweed and kelp supplementation entirely. Iodine plays a crucial role in the production of thyroid hormones, and its deficiency can contribute to the manifestation and progression of hypothyroidism. Incorporating seaweed into one’s diet can provide a natural source of iodine, potentially supporting thyroid health. However, it is essential to approach seaweed consumption cautiously, as discussed in this article.

The pharmacist reviewed the patient’s most recent blood test results with the GP. Despite her adherence with levothyroxine, the blood tests indicated an underactive thyroid resulting in uncontrolled hypothyroidism (see Table). In October 2021, with the same dose of levothyroxine, her TSH was normal (1.4mIU/L). I− in seaweed reacts with O3 to produce I2 gas leading to atmospheric aerosol generation resulting in cloud formation which reflects sunlight partially offsetting global warming. Iodinated compound can be deposited in rain, and gaseous I2 can be taken up by respiration. Consult your doctor before taking kelp supplements — and read labels carefully.