Does Chlorella Have Iodine?

  Reviewed
 by Dr. Steve Hruby
Reviewed by Dr. Steve Hruby

I am a chiropractor, father, husband, coach, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. Feeling good about yourself is a choice: My mission is to transform lives through optimized health and overall well-being.

  Fact Checked
 by Rhealyn Tropia, RMT
Reviewed by Rhealyn Tropia, RMT

I’ve been called a Data Ninja, The Fact Checker, and a Human Search Engine. I’m an indie content curator who does research daily, and quizzes myself on the important issues of the day.

does chlorella have iodine

Did you know that goiter affects eight out of ten individuals in some areas? With iodine deficiency being the leading cause, it’s no surprise that many people are looking for iodine-rich foods.

One food touted for its iodine content is chlorella. But does chlorella have iodine? And if so, how much?

Chlorella contains about two micrograms of iodine per gram. That means you get 20 micrograms when taking 10g, a level considered by any the desirable upper limit.

Is that enough? Find that out below and discover:

  • Benefits of iodine
  • What food are rich in iodine?
  • What is chlorella powder rich in, and more?
  • Indicators that you need to increase your iodine intake
  • Whether chlorella’s iodine content makes it unfit for you?

Importance of Iodine

Iodine is an essential micronutrient in thyroid hormone production. These hormones aid in regulating development, metabolism, and growth. 

A lack of iodine can lead to goiters, cretinism, and mental retardation. According to a 2020 study, inadequate iodine supply tops the list of children’s exposure factors to mental retardation. Iodine deficiency affects about two billion people.

Is Iodine Essential for Good Health?

Iodine is vital for good health, as the body needs it to make thyroid hormones. These hormones undertake metabolic regulation. Iodine is also necessary for proper brain development and function.

human brain model

Without enough iodine, a person can develop goiters, mental retardation, and other health problems.

What Are the Signs of Iodine Deficiency?

A typical indicator of iodine deficiency is goiter (thyroid gland enlargement). Hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland’s hormonal underproduction, may also occur.

People with iodine deficiency may experience fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin. Other signs include

  • Hair loss
  • Heart rate changes
  • Stunted baby growth
  • Disoriented or heavy periods
  • A feeling of abnormal coldness

Iodine and Chlorella

Chlorella contains moderate iodine amounts and can help prevent iodine deficiency. Iodine is essential for thyroid function, and chlorella can help ensure that the body has enough iodine.

Chlorella helps protect the thyroid from damage from toxins. The supplement binds to toxins and helps to remove them from the body. Chlorella contains antioxidants that battle free radicals, protecting the thyroid.

People who are sensitive to iodine or have allergies to it shouldn’t take chlorella. Iodine sensitivity can cause various symptoms, including rash, hives, and swelling. Allergies to iodine may lead to more severe repercussions.

What Supplements Should Not Be Taken With Chlorella?

While chlorella is generally safe to take, some supplements don’t work well with it. You shouldn’t take supplements that lead to photosensitivity with chlorella. Chlorella can increase the absorption of these compounds, leading to an increased risk of sun damage.

pills and medicine bottle

Blood thinners, such as Coumadin (warfarin), are also unsuitable for use with chlorella. This alga contains high levels of vitamin K, which can interfere with the action of these medications.

Ten Iodine-Rich Foods

Recommended daily iodine requirements vary with age as follows:

  • 2-5 years: 90 µg
  • 6-9 years: 120 µg
  • Ten and above: 150 µg

The simplest means to meet your daily iodine intake is iodized table salt. However, you can also get iodine through

  • Eggs
  • Beans like lima
  • Cereals and bread
  • Fortified infant formula
  • Dairy products like milk
  • Meat like beef and chicken
  • Seaweed like kombu and nori
  • Supplements like iodine tablets and kelp powder
  • Fish like cod, sardines, salmon, and mollusks like scallops
  • Fruits and vegetables like strawberries, pineapples, cabbage, and broccoli

FAQS: Anything Else I Should Know About Chlorella and Iodine? 

How Much Iodine Does Chlorella Have In It?

Chlorella has two µg for every gram. That means you’ll take 6-20 µg of iodine on a regular dosage. However, some chlorella uses may increase your daily iodine intake.

iodized salt with a wooden spoon

So, what is chlorella powder used for?

Chlorella helps improve overall health. It aids with certain conditions, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and fatigue. Others use chlorella for yeast infections, enhancing immunity, and constipation prevention.

Higher doses are necessary when using chlorella to relieve constipation. You need 12 or more grams, which means your iodine supply rises to at least 24µg daily.

Does Chlorella Have a Lot of Iodine?

Chlorella doesn’t have a lot of iodine. There are only two µg per gram or 0.000002%. However, the low chlorella iodine content may be enough to cause issues with those intolerant to the nutrient.

Does Spirulina or Chlorella Have Iodine?

Spirulina and chlorella have iodine, making them unsuitable for those with thyroid sensitivity issues.

The iodine content of spirulina may be more than that in chlorella. There are about 16-15,000µg of iodine in one spirulina dose.

What Does Chlorella Contain?

Chlorella contains various nutrients, including protein, vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, and antioxidants. It’s also rich in fiber. However, the constituents’ percentages vary, to a small degree, when comparing chlorella pyrenoidosa and chlorella vulgaris.

Conclusion

Iodine is a crucial nutrient for the body, especially for thyroid health. The thyroid gland needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones essential for metabolism. Unfortunately, iodine deficiency is common and can lead to several health problems.

Chlorella may be an excellent way to get iodine into the diet. It’s a natural source of iodine and is bioavailable, meaning the body can easily absorb it. Provided you aren’t allergic to iodine, supplementing with chlorella is a superb way to help improve thyroid function.

Have you added this supplement to your diet? Get our Sunlit Chlorella Tablet. With this versatile superfood, we’ll help you fight off thyroid deficiency, besides other issues like high blood pressure.

Similar Posts

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *