There are many different varieties of kelp. Claridges Organic specializes in one, Macrocystis Pyrifera, commonly known as bladder kelp. This kelp grows extremely well in the sea surrounding the South Island of New Zealand. Many types of kelp are harvested around the world from the sea surrounding huge populations of humans in the Northern Hemisphere. With New Zealand's Macrocystis, it is growing in a very remote part of the South Pacific Ocean where the sea water is not exposed large human populations and its associated effluent.

A teaspoon of pure
New Zealand Kelp flakes.

Macrocystis Pyrifera, when dried and milled into flakes and powder, is a magnificent source of natural iodine. This kelp has many other elements but Iodine is by far the most important and most useful.

Read about the nutritional analysis of kelp.

Humans requirement for Iodine

For humans, Iodine is needed for production of thyroid hormones which are important in controlling the body's metabolism. Iodine impacts on cell respiration, metabolism of energy and nutrients, functioning of nerves and muscles, differentiation of the foetus, growth and repair of skin, hair, teeth and nails.

New Zealand kelp salt mix (natural way of iodising salt)