Sea Lettuce
Also known as: green laver
Sea lettuce is an edible green seaweed providing minerals and protein. Like other seaweeds, it can accumulate iodine and heavy metals (cadmium, arsenic) depending on harvest area; high iodine intake from seaweed can affect thyroid function.
What it is
Edible green seaweed (Ulva lactuca) and related Ulva species.
Whole-food vegetable; seasoning.
Why it's flagged
- iodine load
- potential heavy metal contamination
What regulators actually say
"Seaweeds may contain high concentrations of iodine and contaminants such as cadmium and arsenic."
"Seaweed... can contain very high levels of iodine, exceeding the tolerable upper limit."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Common food; specific applications regulated.
European Union — EFSA
EFSA flagged potential concerns of iodine and heavy metal content from seaweeds.
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