This blog is part of our Know Your Vitamins series, where we explore essential vitamins and minerals and how they support overall wellness. Find more educational articles for new supplement starters in our Earthly Insights blog.
What’s something the world’s healthiest countries have in common? They all have a strong connection to the sea. (Except for one—good for you, Switzerland.)
That connection isn’t a coincidence. The ocean isn’t just 70% of the earth; it is one of our most precious resources, especially for nutrition. Many of the best vitamins and nutrients for wellness and longevity come straight from sea-born foods.
Enter Icelandic kelp. This marine plant is a powerhouse for thyroid support, largely due to its generous content of one key nutrient. Let's explore how using kelp for thyroid support can elevate your daily routine.
What is Icelandic Kelp?
Icelandic kelp, or Laminaria digitata, grows in the cold, mineral-rich waters of the North Atlantic. For generations, seaweeds like kelp have been part of traditional wellness practices, offering a reliable way to nourish the body when land resources fall short. It’s a simple, time-tested reminder that some of the most powerful nutrition comes straight from nature.
Icelandic kelp is considered a superfood because it’s rich in vital nutrients. As it grows, it draws in minerals from the ocean, concentrating a range of beneficial trace nutrients.
What Makes Icelandic Kelp a Powerful Superfood for Thyroid Support?
Thyroid function is a key element of health that’s involved in several touchpoints of overall health, including metabolism, energy, and brain health.¹ Your thyroid needs specific nutrients to function at its best. The most critical of these: iodine.
That is exactly why this marine marvel shines. Icelandic kelp is a powerful source of iodine. But your body cannot produce this essential mineral on its own, meaning you have to get it through your diet.²
Foods That Support Your Thyroid
Some excellent thyroid support foods with high iodine content include:¹
- Seafood like cod, oysters, and seaweed
- Lean meats
- Nuts and seeds
- Eggs
- Greek yogurt
When it comes to micrograms of iodine per serving, iodine-rich seafood really is the heavy hitter. Three ounces of cod, for instance, contains 97% of your daily value.¹ Outside of supplements, that’s tough to beat.
Top Icelandic Kelp Benefits
Most people, especially if they’re landlocked, aren’t eating cod or seaweed regularly. If that’s the case, or if you eat a plant-based diet, you may need to turn to supplements to help fill those nutritional gaps and give your thyroid the support it needs.*
One of those top healthy countries we mentioned before: Iceland. Some of the best kelp supplements use seaweed harvested from that part of the world, such as Icelandic kelp. The unique environment in the North Atlantic helps this superfood thrive, where it grows with an abundant supply of naturally occurring minerals, amino acids, and trace elements.
Experience Oceanic Power With Nature’s Life Icelandic Kelp
If you’re looking to add more sea-sourced nutrition to your routine, Nature’s Life Icelandic Kelp offers a simple, high-quality option. Harvested from the mineral-rich waters of Iceland, this brown seaweed delivers 150% DV dose of iodine. It also provides a spectrum of naturally occurring minerals, trace elements, and amino acids that contribute to overall wellness.
With a consistent daily dose, it’s an easy way to help fill common nutrient gaps and bring a little more of the ocean’s nutrition into your everyday routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kelp safe for daily use?
Yes, when used as directed. It is important to follow general daily iodine guidelines, as your body only needs a specific amount to function optimally. Always stick to the recommended dosage on your supplement label, and consult your primary care physician before starting a new supplement routine.
How does Icelandic kelp compare to other thyroid support foods?
Unlike many land-based foods, where iodine levels depend on soil quality, kelp absorbs minerals directly from ocean waters, making it a naturally rich source of iodine. Nature’s Life Icelandic Kelp, for instance, delivers 225 mcg of thyroid-supporting iodine per serving, which is 150% of the daily recommended value.
Can I experience kelp supplement benefits without medication interactions?
If you are currently taking any prescription medications, always consult your licensed health care practitioner before adding a new supplement to your routine. They can help you determine the best approach for your specific needs.
Follow @natureslifevitamins on Instagram for more radical wellness tips.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Resources
- Bernal J. Thyroid Hormones in Brain Development and Function. [Updated 2025 Sep 29]. In: Feingold KR, Adler RA, Ahmed SF, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285549/
- “Iodine: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.” National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements.” Updated 5 November 2024, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/