Iodine is an essential trace element. It is found most abundantly in the sea, where marine algae enrich their cells with iodine compounds dissolved in the seawater. As a result, their natural iodine content surpasses that of all fruits and vegetables, as well as saltwater fish and seafood.
The kelp sea alga (Ascophyllum nodosum), also known as Knotted Wrack, is a species of brown algae. The alga itself is a wholefood, containing numerous nutrients within their natural matrix. This includes iodine in the form of natural iodide compounds, which are organically bound and therefore highly bioavailable.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
Iodine contributes to:
- normal cognitive function
- normal energy metabolism
- normal function of the nervous system
- the maintenance of healthy skin
- normal production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function
- normal growth in children