Dulse is the common name for a red multicellular algae (Palmaria palmate) whose colour varies between deep-rose and reddish-purple. It is most commonly used in Ireland, Iceland, Canada and the USA in many foods as a nutritional ingredient or as a flavouring additive in several foods.

Key Nutrients Found in Dulse

Dulse is a nutrient-dense seaweed that contains all trace elements required by humans.

It is approximately one-third protein and one-third fibre by weight. Because of this, dulse is considered an extremely nutrient-dense food. Its rich mineral and nutrient content allows dulse to help promote healthy growth of hair and nails. It has one of the highest contents of B vitamins of all edible seaweeds and also contains the highest levels of bioavailable iron as well. These nutrients help dulse support the adrenal glands and prevent and treat anemia. Like other seaweeds, dulse is also an extremely rich source of iodine.

Iodine & Dulse

Because of the depletion of iodine in the soil, it has become difficult to get sufficient amounts from diet alone. To counter this problem, staple foods like table salt are enriched with iodine to help cover the gap. In the case of iodized salt, it is the inorganic form of iodine that is added. Natural, organic sources, such as those derived from wakame are much more absorbable and easier for the thyroid gland to use than the inorganic (mined) sources found in enriched foods.

Top Health Benefits of Dulse

Causes of Hypothyroidism 

Some cases of hypothyroidism can be attributed to a lack of iodine, and this causes a swollen thyroid (goitre). When there is insufficient iodine available to the thyroid gland, it is not able to produce sufficient thyroid hormone. Thus, it cannot properly regulate the body's metabolism, a condition known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroid individuals experience many symptoms due to a lack of thyroid hormone including fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, constipation, and frequent colds and flu.

Dulse Supplement Varieties

Dulse can be found dried or fresh in many supermarkets. It can also be found as a supplement in powder or tablet form. Iodine in supplement form is usually derived from natural seaweed sources and is available in liquid, capsule, or tablet forms. The standardized types of these supplements contain a higher level of iodine and a consistent amount in each tablet – usually about 150mcg (0.15mg). This is the preferred form for clinical use in low thyroid conditions, while the unstandardized dulse is suitable for people in need of a daily supplement for health maintenance. Often this is more easily achieved by simply incorporating either raw or dried dulse into your diet.