Why do I need iodine?

Iodine is a mineral that, as our nutritionist Dr. Meera Srinivasan describes, “makes our bodies tick.” It’s a critical component of the thyroid hormone, which supports healthy metabolism, growth, and mental wellbeing. People with low levels of iodine are prone to depression and lack of iodine can lead to stunted growth. On the other hand, cultures with iodine-rich diets, like Japan, have longer life expectancies and some of the lowest rates of cancer in the world. One of the contributing factors? You guessed it: seaweed! But with one caveat: Eat seaweed in moderation, because excess iodine could potentially overstimulate your thyroid. We’ve designed each Daily Bite to provide a daily dose of iodine for adults.