Iodine and Hydration: An Overlooked Connection

Beyond water and electrolytes, iodine is a key – often overlooked – component of hydration. Best known for supporting thyroid health, iodine is essential for producing hormones like T4 and T3, which regulate metabolism and influence how cells manage water¹.

Our recently launched, innovative PureSea® Protect – a microencapsulated seaweed – is a natural source of iodine that blends easily into a variety of delivery formats, offering excellent water dispersion without the typical taste or aroma of the sea plus the benefit of a neutral colour. It’s an ideal choice for hydration or active nutrition blends and may help support water balance and metabolism.

A healthy thyroid, supported by adequate iodine, may help promote proper fluid distribution and kidney function.

Low iodine levels may lead to slowing thyroid function and could potentially cause water retention, bloating, and sodium imbalance². Though not an electrolyte, iodine indirectly supports hydration by maintaining hormonal and metabolic balance³.

How do we get enough iodine?

Fish and dairy are the main dietary sources, but with their declining consumption, around 70% of Europeans are deficient⁴. Seaweed is the only natural, plant-based source of iodine, yet its strong taste can be a barrier.

Just a small addition of Gold-Standard PureSea® or PureSea® Protect to your formulation delivers a natural source of iodine that supports six EFSA-approved health claims. To learn more, visit our Health Platform or contact us.

For enhanced benefits, consider combining it with high-quality minerals from our PHARMAGNESIA® range, including magnesium and potassium – known to be rich in essential electrolytes.

_{References:
(1) National institute of Health:  https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/
(2) David Y et al. (2012) Hypothyroidism: An Update. Am Fam Physician. 86(3):244-251
(3) Mullur et al. (2013) Thyroid Hormone Regulation of Metabolism. doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00030.2013.
(4) The Lancet: (2024) Global estimation of dietary micronutrient inadequacies: a modelling analysis. Volume 12.}