Laminaria Japonica Powder
Edible kelp powder can contain very high iodine concentrations, potentially exceeding the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (1100 µg/day) in even small servings. EFSA has flagged dried kelp/seaweed products as a major dietary source of excess iodine.
What it is
Dried powdered kelp (Laminaria japonica / Saccharina japonica), a brown macroalga.
Whole/dried seaweed ingredient; source of iodine, fiber, and umami glutamate.
Why it's flagged
- very high iodine content can exceed UL
- potential heavy metal accumulation (arsenic, cadmium) in kelp
What regulators actually say
"The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for iodine for adults is 1,100 µg/day; intakes above this level might cause thyroid dysfunction."
"Dried algae and seaweed-based products may contain very high iodine levels; consumption may exceed the UL."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Edible seaweed; no specific food-additive restriction. Marketed as conventional food/supplement.
European Union — EFSA
EFSA has issued warnings on iodine intake from dried seaweed; EU member states have set advisory limits.
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app