Will an IUD Change My Sex Life?

 

Risks and Side Effects of Eating Seaweed

“Since seaweed comes from the ocean, we have to consider the possible contaminants in the water and the absorption of heavy metals,” says Masi.

A cross-sectional study published in the Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology of heavy metal concentrations in 3,404 healthy Korean adults found urinary arsenic concentrations were significantly increased in the groups with the highest seaweed consumption[14].

Consuming excessive amounts of iodine also comes with risk and can cause similar side effects as eating too little, such as goiter and thyroid dysfunction. Studies have also shown that excessive iodine intakes can cause thyroiditis and thyroid papillary cancer. The NIH lists the upper limits of safe iodine intake at 1,100 micrograms for adults, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, according to the NIH.

A 2021 review in the European Thyroid Journal found that eating seaweed alone or as a dietary supplement is unlikely to be harmful if eaten once or twice a week. However, more frequent consumption of iodine-rich seaweeds, such as kelp, can increase the risk of excess iodine intake and cause possible side effects, particularly in those with pre-existing thyroid disorders, pregnant women and newborns[15].

To date, there is little legislation in the U.K. or U.S. requiring food or supplement companies to disclose mineral, heavy metal or iodine content of seaweed products or to provide guidance on a safe portion size of certain whole seaweeds to prevent eating an unsafe amount.

How Do You Eat Seaweed?

“The most important thing when considering food is its safety and if you like it,” says Masi. Most seaweed tastes savory, and Masi suggests people who are new to seaweed start small by adding seaweed flakes to dishes like rice bowls, soups or stews. “The most common way to eat seafood is with sushi, but you [may] also find certain types taste great in salad,” she says. Seaweed can also be eaten as a roasted snack, and can be purchased at most major retailers, and Asian markets usually carry a wide variety of dried seaweed and seaweed snacks.

Sources