Micronutrients & recovery
Edible seaweeds serve as a highly concentrated source of essential macro- and trace minerals (such as K, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Zn, and I), providing mineral content 10 to 50 times higher than terrestrial plants by dry weight, thereby contributing significantly to daily mineral intake and functional food development.
Incorporate edible seaweeds into your diet to boost your intake of essential minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iodine. Seaweeds are naturally concentrated sources of these nutrients, often containing 10-50 times more minerals per dry weight than land vegetables. To maximize safety, choose varieties from regulated aquaculture or known safe species, as some wild-harvested seaweeds may accumulate higher levels of toxic metals like arsenic or lead.
Seaweeds are consequently rich in macro-elements and trace elements, with a mineral content at least 10 times higher than terrestrial plants and reaching 20-50% of its dry weight. Therefore, seaweeds can make an important contribution to the daily intake of minerals and are a promising source of essential minerals for functional food, food supplements, and nutraceuticals.
Why this rating
This is a comprehensive review paper citing multiple primary studies and FAO data, providing strong aggregate evidence, though it is not a primary clinical trial.
Source
Minerals in edible seaweed: health benefits and food safety issues
Ivonne Lozano‐Muñoz et al. · Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition · 2020
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →