Iodine in Trader Joe's Seaweed Snack?

At this time i'm getting information on this my mom has a Throid Disease she is right now in the process to determine which one,she has informed me that she has to go an a complete iodine free diet for a certain test to see how it is used against her one of them is sea salt she can't have it or table salt because iodine is added

Hi L.,

Naturally occurring iodine is different than added iodine. Iodine content will vary. Oriental children have seaweed on a daily basis as well as other sea foods that are full of iodine as well. I'm sure there can be too much at some point but I don't think there is much to worry about. Most of us are iodine deficient. You're smart to shop at Trader Joe's!

M.

Seaweed... is a natural source of iodine and it naturally is occurring in seaweed.
Some seaweeds have more than others.

That is why, it is not an 'ingredient' listed per say, in order to make it. Because iodine is intrinsic in seaweed.

Its similar to saying, how much chlorophyll is in lettuce?
Or, what is the quantity of chlorophyll in 1 serving of lettuce.
Chlorophyll is just naturally occurring and intrinsic in lettuce or other vegetables.

I found this:
"Seaweed Iodine levels in seaweed are quite variable, depending primarily on the type of seaweed. Kelp has the highest amount of iodine, with some kelp granules having 8165 mcg/gm. Most Kelp or Kombu has about 2500 mcg/gm. Other common seaweeds are much lower; for example, Nori (16 mcg/gm), Wakame (32 mcg/gm), Dulse (72 mcg/gm), Hijiki (629 mcg/gm). Iodine content is reduced by storage (e.g., in paper bags or open to the air) and cooking. Most of the iodine in seaweed comes in the form of iodide, but it varies depending on the type of seaweed. Absorption of the iodine from seaweed is variable. Seaweed contains lots of stuff besides iodine, some may be useful (e.g., other minerals) and some may be harmful (e.g., goitrogens like bromide and various chemicals like mercury contaminants). Large amounts of seaweed may be problematic."

Table salt also has iodine.

There is naturally occurring Iodine, or added Iodine.

Go to the Trader Joes website and contact them online. They have a form to fill out with your questions and are good about responding.

Is your friends thyroid problem hypo or hyper? I have hypo and although they don't know for sure what causes it, there are several theories. One being lack of iodine. There was a time during the late 80's/early 90's that I completely cut iodine and sale out of my diet. I thought I was doing something good but it could actually be what caused it. There are other theories too but my X-FIL also was hypo and he was forced to cut salt out of his diet due to heart problems. So I believe that is the connection. Also many thyroid patients will take sea kelp in addition to their medication. I read recently that the sea kelp is flying off the shelves on the west coast and countries near Japan, radiation is another theory for thyroid disorders so with the nuclear reactors melting down, they're taking the kelp.

I think the bigger issue is teaching your son moderation when enjoying snacks. What does the package say is a serving? Let him have that amount.

Yum. Seaweed. I grew up on this type of TJ's "seaweed snack." Of course, in Asian cultures, seaweed is not so much a snack but a staple. My 3 year old LOVES seaweed sheets alone and also wrapped around some rice with maybe a little meat and/or veggie bits inside. As S.H. writes below, iodine is a naturally occuring substance in seaweed and I have never heard anything negative about eating seaweed. Also, these days it is hard to find salt that is iodized. The only negative I can think of with the TJs seaweed is that it might be too salty in general (and if you agree, then just shake off some of the salt before you give it to your child).

Call the Pediatrician and see what they say. I would go with what the doctor says.

what about contacting Trader Joe's and speak with them about it. If the store doesn't have the answer, I am sure they can provide a number to someone who does. Good luck!
M

I'm sure it's fine. Unless your son is having problems, I wouldn't worry about it. Seaweed is a staple food in many areas for everyone, including children, and it's very healthy. He would probably have to eat bags and bags and bags (far more than he could ever actually eat) to get too much iodine.

You know I started eating them a few months ago after discovering them and I've stopped. I've been on thyroid Meds for a slow thyroid gland for years. Recently I've been having high blood pressure and major palpitations. Saw the cardiologist who felt that my thyroid was over active causing all these symptoms. Since I've stopped eating the seaweed it's been so much better.

Seaweed is used to stimulate a sluggish thyroid. Your friend is ill informed. Seaweed and potatoes are what you get to eat in Chile. Seaweed is a healthy alternative to salt. Iodine is not added to it. Of all the thousands of types of seaweed in the ocean only one is poisonous.
Go back to Trader Joe's snacks.

Most table salt does not contain iodine. You can look on the container. If it doesn't say it contains iodine, it doesn't. Sea salt may contain iodine but I'm only guessing.

I know this is an old entry, but I just saw it. Trader Joe's and Costco roasted seaweed contain canola oil which should not be consumed. Amazon has some great prices on quality seaweed made with coconut and other oils. Sometimes organic Gimme (which is what roasted seaweed is called in Korean!) is on sale at Whole Foods. I personally prefer the plain flavored ones over the spicier ones. This is a great way to get the iodine so many of our bodies are starving for. Many cancer patients are discovered to be clinically deficient not only in D3 (supplementation MUST include K2 to prevent calcium from leaching from the bones, and should be taken in the evening as it is a prehormone that actually causes relaxation), but in iodine as well. Again, research canola oil before ever using it again--it should not be given to a dog, let alone a child, although it does make a great furniture polish combined with vinegar.

I just developed hyperthyroidism from eating too much iodine. The only iodine I was ingesting regularly was from the roasted Seaweed snacks at Trader Joe's. There is enough added iodine in our food today to be too concerned about not having iodine. Hope this helps, I wish I knew this before eating too much of the seaweed.

When you are being tested for Thyroid issues, the doctors will have you restrict your iodine intake (from iodized salt, or any food products that contain high levels of naturally occuring iodine or iodide). They do this so that the Radioactive Iodine they give you will have better "uptake" and show potential issues, such as cancer.

For the average, healthy person, iodine should only make your thyroid function better, if anything. Iodine/Iodide is also used in the body for other functions, such as hormone production, but the primary user of iodine is the thyroid gland.

Not getting enough iodine/iodide will result in Goiter and other thyroid problems, including, according to some, thyroid cancer. That is why the government long ago endorsed Iodized Salt in the schools, especially in areas where iodine concentrations in the soil is low.

Some "naturalist" doctors think the RDA for Iodine should be much higher than the current recommended doses, and most Americans are low on iodine, if anything, which might explain why we have so many people in this country with thyroid issues.

Enjoy the Seaweed Snacks!