Kelp refers to several species of large, brown algae that can
grow to enormous sizes far out in the depths of the ocean. Kelp
is a type of seaweed, but not all seaweed is kelp: "seaweed"
loosely describes any type of vegetation growing in the ocean,
including many other types of algae and plants. Kelp is a
regular part of a normal human diet in many parts of the world,
such as Japan, Alaska, and Hawaii. It is also incorporated into
some vitamin and mineral supplements because of its nutrient
value. Kelp is a good source of (a B vitamin), as well as many
other vitamins and minerals—especially iodine; but iodine is
also a potential source of side effects (see Supplements
containing kelp can be purchased at most pharmacies and health
food stores. Kelp used in food preparation is available at
groceries that stock specialties for Asian cooking. There is no
appropriate "therapeutic" dosage of kelp, as it is not yet known
whether kelp is truly therapeutic for any conditions. However,
because of its high iodine conte