Evidence supporting the use of: Brown Seaweed (wakame)
For the body system: Thyroid Gland

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Brown seaweed (wakame), scientifically known as Undaria pinnatifida, is traditionally consumed in East Asian diets and is recognized for its high iodine content. Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which are critical for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. Scientific studies have validated that iodine deficiency can lead to thyroid disorders such as goiter and hypothyroidism, and dietary sources like brown seaweed can help prevent such deficiencies, particularly in populations with low iodine intake. A 2016 review published in Thyroid highlighted seaweeds as natural sources of iodine, noting their potential role in supporting thyroid function in iodine-deficient individuals. However, the iodine content in wakame can be highly variable and, if consumed in excess, may contribute to thyroid dysfunction, such as hyperthyroidism, especially in susceptible individuals. Aside from iodine, wakame contains other bioactive compounds, but current evidence specifically linking these to thyroid health is limited. In summary, the use of brown seaweed to support thyroid health is primarily justified by its iodine content, and this is supported by scientific evidence. However, the strength of evidence for its efficacy is moderate (3/5), mainly due to concerns about variability in iodine content and the lack of large-scale clinical trials directly linking brown seaweed consumption to improved thyroid health outcomes.

More about Brown Seaweed (wakame)
More about Thyroid Gland

Products containing Brown Seaweed (wakame)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.