Tangle
Edible kelp is a whole food rich in iodine, fiber, and minerals. Excessive intake can deliver iodine well above the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (1100 µg/day), potentially causing thyroid dysfunction.
What it is
Common name for edible brown seaweed/kelp (e.g., Laminaria spp.), particularly oarweed/sea tangle.
Whole edible seaweed; source of dietary iodine, alginate, and umami.
Why it's flagged
- high iodine content can exceed UL with frequent intake
What regulators actually say
"The Food and Nutrition Board has set a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 1,100 µg/day of iodine for adults; intakes above this level might cause thyroid dysfunction."
"Dried seaweed and seaweed-based products may contain very high concentrations of iodine that can exceed the tolerable upper intake level."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Edible seaweed considered a conventional food; no specific food-additive restriction.
European Union — EFSA
EFSA has flagged high iodine levels in dried seaweed products as a potential concern.
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