Is seaweed good for children?

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Should you add seaweed to kids' food?

Seaweed is natural, healthy and safe for children, but as with all things, it should be consumed in moderation.

As part of a balanced diet, the high concentration of vitamins and minerals do not pose a risk, but it’s important to remember that children require a lower dose of these nutrients than adults, especially iodine.

Use smaller quantities of seaweed in kids' food and serve it more infrequently, for example ¾ tsp 3-4 times a week. One heaped tsp every day is fine for adults: read more about the health benefits of seaweed.

Recommended daily amounts for Iodine

Iodine is essential for a healthy thyroid, and plays a key role in the physical growth and cognitive development of young children. 66% of women are iodine deficient, which can affect their children during pregnancy.

Iodine is found in eggs, fish and dairy, but the best source is seaweed. Iodine is water soluble and excess is naturally excreted.

For infants from birth to 12 months, the established Adequate Intake* for iodine is equivalent to the mean intake of iodine in healthy, breastfed infants in the United States.

Source.

Age	Male	Female
Birth to 6 months	110 mcg*	110 mcg*
7–12 months	130 mcg*	130 mcg*
1–3 years	90 mcg	90 mcg
4–8 years	90 mcg	90 mcg
9–13 years	120 mcg	120 mcg
14–18 years	150 mcg	150 mcg
19+ years	150 mcg	150 mcg

Why seaweed means healthier meals for your kids

Fuel your growing superhero with this nutritious, delicious superfood.

• Packed with dietary fibre, as part of a balanced lunch seaweed can keep your children fuller for longer so they can stay focused on learning.

• Seaweed is the best natural source of iodine, which helps normal cognitive function and aids concentration in class.

• Seaweed is rich in iron, which helps transport oxygen around the body, providing a good source of energy from playtime to bedtime.

• Calcium is a must for maintaining a growing child’s healthy teeth and strong bones, and seaweed is a good non-dairy source of it.

• Seaweed contains 56 essential vitamins and minerals for normal growth and development, including protein, magnesium and potassium.

How do I convince my kids to eat seaweed?

Introduce seaweed slowly, by hiding it in sauces, stews and soups, or using it in their favourite food. Check out our recipe pages for meal ideas.

Encourage your little ones to be adventurous but to enjoy seaweed at their own pace: leave it out on the table for the family to use and show them how it’s done. They'll be adding it to their own school lunches in no time!

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