It’s the natural mineral fuelling your body’s engine – the thyroid – and regulating metabolism. Marine biologist Craig Rose, AKA Doctor Seaweed, shines the spotlight on crucial element iodine and its richest, sea-based source

Lead image credit: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

Iodine deficiency

Despite iodine being an essential nutrient, the awareness is yet to catch up with the reality that the vast majority of women are deficient in this critical nutrient, and suffering as a consequence. Whereas dairy was the traditional source of iodine in the British diet, its intake has declined. Also, as plant-based diets grow, fish and dairy intakes decline even further. 

Sustainable seaweed

What attracted me to seaweed as a marine biologist is that it is a sustainable and forgotten food. Every culture around the world has used seaweed at some point for food, fertiliser, and to feed animals due to its vast abundance and incredible nutritional content. It’s the original superfood, and doesn’t require land, fresh water or fertiliser to grow.  

Marine biologist Craig Rose, AKA Doctor Seaweed

The Hebrides

For the Doctor Seaweed range, we focus on one species of seaweed from the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles. Of the 10,000 or so types of seaweed in the world, ours is sustainable to harvest at large volumes and from some of the cleanest waters in the world. 

Superpowers

Research we did with the medical school at Newcastle University showed specific nutrients in our seaweed (polyphenols) help to manage blood sugar release which can keep you fuller for longer, and all naturally. 

The down-low on iodine

• The UK ranks in the top ten most iodine-deficient countries in the world 
• Iodine is essential for producing thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine). They affect every cell of the body, and impact cognitive function, energy and metabolism, skin, hair, and nails
• The best sources of iodine are fish, seafood and seaweed. Cow’s milk is also a good source or plant milk fortified with iodine, and poultry, eggs, bread, nuts, fruit, and vegetables contain small amounts
• The recommended amount of iodine for adults is 140 micrograms (μg) a day 

For more info on seaweed supplements, head to doctorseaweed.com