Kelp is the supplement in capsules composed of two brown algae : Fucus Vesiculosus and Ascophyllum Nodosum both are very rich in iodine and contribute to maintaining the balance of body weight , as well as being fundamental for the thyroid hormones , moreover, Fucus plays a role emollient and soothing action on the digestive system .
They are algae particularly rich in polysaccharides and cellulose in the form of non-digestible fibers. This causes them to carry out a prebiotic action , that is, selectively stimulate the development of the intestinal bacterial flora , improving its well-being.
What is iodine?
Iodine is an element present in the body in very small quantities, but it is essential for well -being and for its balance . In fact, iodine is used by the thyroid gland to produce hormones, therefore it is important for the activities they carry out, including: metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats but also the functioning of the central nervous system.
The requirement for an adult is about 150 micrograms , while for pregnant or breastfeeding women it is about 220-290 micrograms per day . This is because a deficiency of this trace element can cause various problems in the growth and development of the child.
What does iodine deficiency entail?
A deficiency of iodine has a number of consequences on both development and growth, this is because not enough thyroid hormones would be produced.
While for adults, a deficiency of this mineral can lead to hypothyroidism often associated with goiter , or enlargement of the thyroid gland.
To ensure that the right amount of hormones are produced, children, adolescents and adults need to take the right amount of iodine every day.
What foods is it found in?
This mineral is present in many foods, especially fish , but it can also be found in meat and grains . Fruits and vegetables can also contain it, in this case, however, it will depend on the amount of iodine present in the soil.
What is the relationship between iodine and radiation?
Iodine is also recommended in the case of nuclear accidents, a type of iodine called iodine-131 , a radioactive isotope, would be released into the air, resulting in external exposure.
Contaminated air but also the consumption of food or water contaminated by iodine-131 therefore determine an internal exposure . Radioactive iodine and harmless iodine, defined as “stable”, are not distinguished by the thyroid gland which, in the event of a lack of “stable” iodine, would use the radioactive one.
This means that iodine supplementation before radiation exposure limits the accumulation of the antagonist iodine, " saturating " the thyroid gland.