Iodine

Iodine is an essential trace element critical for thyroid hormone production, which governs metabolism, energy regulation, and brain development. Adequate iodine levels are particularly important during pregnancy and childhood to support neurological growth and cognitive function. Iodine deficiency remains a global issue and can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and goitre. In its active form (such as potassium iodide), iodine helps maintain normal thyroid structure and function. As part of an integrative approach, iodine ensures the endocrine system functions optimally in both development and adulthood.

The scientific studies to support our claims on aged black garlic are published in the following peer review journals:

Study: Effects of kelp supplementation on thyroid function in euthyroid subjects

What the study looked at:

This study wanted to find out how taking kelp supplements affects the thyroid gland in healthy people. The thyroid controls metabolism and energy by producing important hormones.

How the study was done:

• 36 healthy adults were divided into 3 groups:
• A placebo group (no kelp)
• A low-dose kelp group
• A high-dose kelp group
• They took their supplements for 4 weeks.
• Researchers measured thyroid hormone levels and iodine in urine at the start, during, and after the study.

What they found:

• Both low and high doses of kelp caused an increase in TSH (a hormone that tells the thyroid to work harder).
• The high-dose group showed a small drop in one thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine or T3).
• The body’s response to thyroid stimulation also increased in the high-dose group.
• Iodine levels in urine went up with kelp dose, confirming they were absorbing the kelp iodine.
• Metabolism rates didn’t change much during the study.
• Most hormone levels returned to normal two weeks after stopping kelp, except TSH in the high-dose group, which stayed lower.

What it means:

Taking kelp supplements can affect your thyroid hormones, especially at higher doses. While short-term changes were seen, it’s still unclear if long-term use could cause thyroid problems. More research is needed.

Study: Low-level seaweed supplementation improves iodine status in iodine-insufficient women

What the study looked at:

Iodine deficiency is becoming a big concern in the UK and parts of Europe because people are eating less dairy and seafood — two main sources of iodine. This study tested whether taking a seaweed supplement could help improve iodine levels and thyroid health in women who don’t eat much of these foods.

How the study was done:

Healthy women of childbearing age, who reported eating little dairy or seafood, took a daily capsule of seaweed for 2 weeks.

Researchers measured how much iodine was absorbed, how much showed up in urine, and how the thyroid hormones changed.

What they found:

• About one-third of the iodine from seaweed was absorbed by the body, which is less than iodine from a standard supplement but still significant.
• After 2 weeks, iodine levels in urine increased significantly, showing the seaweed helped boost iodine intake.
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels went up a bit, and 2 participants had TSH slightly above the normal range, but other thyroid hormones stayed normal.
• Participants liked the taste of the seaweed, and it was well accepted as a food or supplement.

What it means:

Adding seaweed to the diet can be an effective way to improve iodine levels, especially for people who don’t eat enough dairy or seafood. Using seaweed in everyday foods could be a good alternative to adding iodine to salt or other products.