Vitamins With Kelp
- Some people take vitamins and supplements containing kelp.kelp at aquarium image by Daniel Gillies from Fotolia.com
Kelp is a brown seaweed that has carbohydrates, protein and essential fatty acids, as well as a high concentration of minerals. The nearly 30 minerals found in kelp include iodine, calcium, iron and magnesium. The vitamins in kelp include C, D and B complex. Kelp is available in supplements and vitamins, but it is still not known if kelp in this form is medically beneficial and there is no known therapeutic dosage. - Iodine is an important mineral in thyroid hormone production. Iodine deficiency can result in goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid, or hypothyroidism, which slows down body functioning and can lead to depression and fatigue. Due to the iodine found in kelp, some people take thyroid supplements that contain kelp in an attempt to improve the thyroid's functioning. However, the American Thyroid Association cautions that too much iodine, which can result from taking kelp, can be problematic, especially for those who already suffer from abnormal thyroid functioning. Since iodine deficiency is caused by lack of iodine in the diet, it is recommended that foods such as iodized table salt, cheese, eggs and yogurt be eaten regularly to maintain adequate levels of iodine in the body.
- Kelp can be found in weight loss supplements with lecithin, vitamin B-6 and cider vinegar. Some believe that this combination can accelerate weight loss because the body's metabolism can be manipulated into burning fat faster. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
- Kelp tablets can contain bladderwrack, which is a type of seaweed that is sometimes considered the same as kelp, although it is technically a different plant. As with the thyroid supplements with kelp, kelp with bladderwrack is taken by some to treat under-active thyroid, although the University of Pittsburgh cautions it may actually worsen the condition. This type of supplement may have the ability to treat heartburn due to swelling of the alginic acid in the bladderwrack when it contacts water, which forms a seal over the stomach. Other conditions that may be treated with kelp tablets containing bladderwrack include arthritis, hardening of the arteries and constipation, although it is unclear if the treatment is effective.
