Iodine is in the news, and on everyone's minds, leading to a few questions about our own sources of iodine, and the levels you'll find in Oregon's Wild Harvest's Kelp and Bladderwrack.

Kelp and Bladderwrack provide many beneficial nutrients including natural organically-bound iodine and potassium. Since these are natural sources, the iodine levels vary from year to year and we cannot provide the quantity on the label. That said, the kelp is rejected if it exceeds a certain level of iodine. The iodine is tested at every harvest, along with many other important quality markers. Based on typical results, we calculate the following:

The OWH Kelp product supplies approximately:
     920 mcg iodine per capsule
     13.8 mg potassium per capsule
The OWH Bladderwrack product supplies approximately:
     400 mcg iodine per capsule
     13.6 mg potassium per capsule

Iodine Dosage

Ideal iodine dosage is a very controversial topic and more research is apparently needed to determine the optimum dose AND form of iodine. The US RDA of 150 mcg was established as a minimum amount required by the body to prevent cretinism, iodine-deficiency induced goiter, and hypothyroidism. Many experts with an understanding of endocrinology believe that the normal daily requirement for iodine has NOT been established.

The dose that we recommend in our Kelp and Bladderwrack is based on scientific literature. As a responsible manufacturer, consumer safety is our highest priority. Our extensive research suggests that there are many factors which may account for the extremely wide dosage range. The usefulness of any nutrient is dependent upon the bioavalability of that nutrient to the body. Many factors influence bioavailability, including:

• The form of the iodine used -- whether it is isolated and inorganic (potassium iodine) or organically-bound as in natural sea vegetables.
• Other nutrients that are simultaneously ingested. These can compete with iodine absorption.
• Individual metabolism. Certain people are more sensitive to iodine than others, just as some people are sensitive to vitamin C.

Scientifically Recognized Levels

In typical adults, elevated thyroid hormone levels have been found at iodine intakes between 1700 and 1800 mcg/day. Consequently, the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) of the Institute of Medicine set a tolerable upper level of intake (UL) for iodine at 1100 mcg/day for adults.

Prolonged intakes of more than 18,000 mcg of iodine/day have been found to increase the incidence of goiter.

Dietary Sources of Iodine

It's also worth noting that many people receive dietary iodine from iodine-fortified salt. So those who use sea salt may be consuming less iodine. As of 2000, the average intake of iodine from food in the United States was 240 -300 mcg/day for men, and 190 to 210 mcg/day for women. In Japan, consumption is much greater, due to the frequent consumption of seaweed or kombu kelp. The estimated iodine intake of people in Japan ranges from 200 to 20,000 mcg/day, with the average estimate of 500-1000 mcg/day.

We recommend consultation with your health care provider before taking any supplement regime.