Seaweed: Nature’s Superfood and the Mission of Doctor Seaweed

As the focus on health and wellbeing grows to include sustainability, it’s no surprise that we are rediscovering nature’s hidden treasures. One such gem is seaweed—a powerhouse of nutrients that has been a staple in coastal diets for centuries but remains largely untapped in the Western world. Leading the charge to bring the benefits of seaweed to a broader audience is Dr. Craig Rose, the founder of Doctor Seaweed, a brand dedicated to providing high-quality, sustainable seaweed supplements. During a recent interview with Dr. Rose, I delved into the science, inspiration, and potential of seaweed as a superfood.

The Birth of Doctor Seaweed

Dr. Rose’s journey began with his fascination for marine biology, sparked by dreams of living a life reminiscent of “Baywatch.” While his career took a different path, his passion for the ocean remained, eventually leading him to discover the health benefits of seaweed.

“Seaweed is probably the only natural resource that ticks every box,” Dr. Rose shared. “Whether it’s food, nutrition, beauty, pharmaceuticals, or biomaterials like bioplastics, it does it all.”

In 2015, Dr. Rose founded Seaweed & Co., focusing on creating a sustainable and scalable supply chain for Scottish seaweed. By 2018, he launched the Doctor Seaweed brand, introducing pure seaweed capsules as an easy and accessible way for people to incorporate this nutrient-dense food into their diets.

Seaweed: The Under Appreciated Superfood

Seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with iodine, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Its most critical component is iodine, an essential nutrient many people unknowingly lack. According to Dr. Rose, “up to 84% of women in the UK are thought to be deficient in iodine,” a staggering statistic given its importance for thyroid health, metabolism, and cognitive function.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the UK as iodine deficient, ranking it among the top ten most iodine-deficient nations globally. This deficiency is due in part to the decline in dairy and fish consumption—traditional sources of iodine—and the lack of fortification programs in the UK. Dr. Rose emphasised that seaweed is the only natural, plant-based source of iodine that provides adequate levels for optimal health.

The Importance of Iodine

Iodine is vital for maintaining thyroid health, which influences metabolism, energy levels, and cognitive function. A deficiency can lead to a range of symptoms, including:

• Weight gain
• Sensitivity to cold
• Brittle hair and nails
• Brain fog
• Fatigue

For pregnant women, iodine is especially crucial. It plays an important role in the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system. Studies have linked iodine deficiency during pregnancy to developmental delays and lower cognitive function in children. Alarmingly, a study published in The Lancet revealed that 68% of the world’s population—approximately five billion people—are iodine deficient.

Doctor Seaweed’s Mission

Doctor Seaweed’s supplements aim to address this nutritional gap with sustainably harvested Scottish seaweed. Each capsule delivers a precise, bioavailable dose of iodine, equivalent to a portion of white fish like haddock. Unlike synthetic supplements, the iodine from seaweed is more easily absorbed by the body, ensuring maximum benefits.

Dr. Rose explained that the simplicity and purity of the product are key. “It’s just food in a capsule,” he said. “There’s no risk in taking this; it’s like eating healthier.”

Overcoming the Taste Barrier: Making Seaweed Accessible

Seaweed, despite its incredible nutritional benefits, is not renowned for its taste. For many, its distinct flavour and texture can be off-putting, and it remains an unfamiliar ingredient in Western cooking. As Dr. Craig Rose notes, while seaweed may be embraced in certain culinary traditions, it is unlikely to become a staple in British households any time soon. 

The challenge, therefore, lies in finding ways to make seaweed more accessible and palatable, ensuring its nutrients can be seamlessly integrated into everyday diets. This is where Doctor Seaweed’s innovative supplements come in, providing a simple, convenient, and tasteless way to harness the power of seaweed without the need to radically change eating habits.

Sustainability and Quality

One of the standout features of Doctor Seaweed’s products is their commitment to sustainability. The seaweed is carefully harvested from pristine Scottish waters using methods that encourage regrowth.

“We use boats that gently trim the floating seaweed, cutting only the top,” Dr. Rose explained. “This method promotes vigorous regrowth, similar to trimming hair.”

The seaweed is then dried and milled into powder, ensuring it retains its nutrients while being allergen-free and free of heavy metals or contaminants. Every batch undergoes rigorous testing for quality and safety, giving customers confidence in the product’s purity.

Expanding the Benefits

While the core product—Pure Seaweed capsules—remains the brand’s flagship, Doctor Seaweed has expanded its offering with his Seaweed+ range: this includes specialised blends like the Immunity+ product. These supplements combine seaweed with natural sources of vitamin B12 and D3, to help boost energy levels, reduce fatigue and support your immunity and wider wellness.

Testimonials from users highlight the transformative effects of these supplements. Many report improved energy, thicker hair, stronger nails, and enhanced skin health within weeks of use. “It’s not a snake oil,” Dr. Rose assured. “People see real benefits because we’re addressing a fundamental nutritional deficiency.”

Seaweed and Women’s Health

Doctor Seaweed’s products have gained particular popularity among women, especially those navigating menopause. Thyroid dysfunction can exacerbate menopause symptoms, leading many women to mistakenly attribute their issues solely to hormonal changes. By addressing iodine deficiency, these supplements help alleviate symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and brain fog.

In fact, Doctor Seaweed’s Pure Seaweed supplement won QVC’s “Best Supplement” and the Doctor Seaweed’s Menopause+ supplement won  QVC’s “Best Menopause Product” award, a testament to its efficacy and impact on women’s health.

A Solution for Pregnancy

Pregnant women are among the most vulnerable to iodine deficiency, yet many prenatal vitamins fall short of providing adequate levels. A study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that 60% of common prenatal vitamins contain less than half the required daily iodine intake. Moreover, some synthetic supplements contain harmful chemicals and metals.

Doctor Seaweed’s supplements offer a safe, natural alternative. By providing bioavailable safe levels of iodine alongside other essential nutrients, they support both maternal health and fetal brain development.

Claudia Le Feuvre, a nutritionist specialising in female health, emphasised the importance of iodine during pregnancy. “Young women of childbearing age are the most susceptible to the adverse effects of iodine deficiency,” she noted. “Seaweed-based supplements like Doctor Seaweed offer a practical and effective solution.”

The Road Ahead

Doctor Seaweed’s mission goes beyond supplements. Dr. Rose envisions expanding into other areas, such as healthy snacks, to make seaweed even more accessible.

“Not everyone takes supplements,” he said. “By introducing seaweed into other formats, we can reach more people and continue our mission of improving health through sustainable nutrition.”

Conclusion

Seaweed is a forgotten superfood that holds immense potential for improving health and wellbeing. Thanks to Doctor Seaweed’s dedication to sustainability, quality, and education, this underutilised resource is making its way into daily diets, addressing critical nutritional gaps. Whether you’re looking to boost energy, improve thyroid function, or support pregnancy, Doctor Seaweed offers a natural, effective solution.

For more information and to explore their range of products, visit doctorseaweed.com. Doctor Seaweed supplements are available online and at major retailers, including QVC, Holland & Barrett, Amazon, and Boots.