Seaweed Extract
Seaweed extracts vary widely. Some types (kombu/kelp) are very high in iodine, and excessive intake can disrupt thyroid function.
What it is
Extracts of various edible seaweeds (kelp, nori, kombu, etc.), often containing carrageenan, alginate, or whole-seaweed compounds.
Thickener / gelling / source of iodine and umami.
Why it's flagged
- High iodine content from kelp variants can exceed tolerable upper intake levels with regular use
What regulators actually say
"Iodine intakes via consumption of certain seaweeds, in particular brown algae, can substantially exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level."
"The use of kelp supplements... can result in iodine intakes orders of magnitude above the tolerable upper limit."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Specific seaweed-derived ingredients GRAS (carrageenan 21 CFR 172.620, algin 21 CFR 184.1011); generic extract not separately defined
European Union — EFSA
Permitted; iodine intake guidance applies
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