Is there any mercury in kelp?

Seaweed can absorb and store minerals in concentrated amounts ( 8 ). This poses a health risk, as seaweed can also contain large amounts of toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury and lead. That said, the heavy metal content in seaweed is usually below the maximum concentration allowances in most countries (55).

Can taking kelp be harmful?

Although sea kelp is safe to eat in plant form, taking sea kelp supplements can be dangerous. They contain concentrated doses of heavy metals that occur naturally in kelp, but can be toxic to humans in supplement form.

Who should not take sea kelp?

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t use kelp supplements. If you’re being treated for thyroid issues, you shouldn’t take kelp. You also shouldn’t use it if you take certain heart medicines.

Is seaweed contaminated with mercury?

There were differences in mercury, cadmium, and arsenic content in seaweed between different kinds of products and between coastal areas. The intakes of total mercury, lead, and cadmium for Korean people from seaweed were estimated to be 0.11, 0.65, and 0.45 µg kg(-1) body weight week(-1), respectively.

Does kelp absorb heavy metals?

In short, yes, just like some land based foods. Heavy metal occurs naturally in the environment. Marine algae could absorb minerals from the water which makes it high in nutrients. So, it makes perfect sense that seaweed also have the ability to accumulate heavy metals from the ocean.

Can I take kelp everyday?

Daily supplements containing more than 500 micrograms of iodine should be avoided, the association recommended. Many iodine, potassium iodide and kelp supplements contain iodine amounts that are up to several thousand times higher than the daily tolerable upper limit of 1,100 micrograms per day, they noted.

Does kelp remove heavy metals?

Kelp and other seaweed, especially agar, are rich in alginates which absorb toxic metals. Spirulina algae (Sun Chlorella is best) is also potent as a metal detox aid.

What’s the healthiest seaweed?

Red seaweeds are a good source of iodine which maintains healthy thyroid function. They are also a source of heme iron (a form of iron that can actually prevent iron-deficiency anemia). These amazing nutritional benefits are especially helpful if you are following a vegan, vegetarian or plant-based lifestyle.

Is kelp high in heavy metals?

Seaweed also has a low-calorie content (between 1% and 5% dry weight) (5). However, some studies highlight that there are adverse effects to consuming large quantities of seaweed because it contains an excessive amount of heavy metals, arsenic, and iodine.

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