130725Seaweed as a dietary supplement to address iodine deficiency in UK females: a feasibility studyClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKAdequate intake of iodine is essential to ensure a wide range of metabolic functions in the human body; in particular, iodine is key for thyroid health. This becomes especially important during pregnancy, since the development of the unborn infant relies heavily on maternal thyroid health – with insufficient iodine, the infant brain, for example, cannot develop optimally. However, recent research has found that the majority of schoolgirls, women, as well as pregnant women populations are now iodine deficient in the UK. In the absence of an iodine fortification programme in the UK, it is important to identify viable strategies to ensure adequate iodine intake via the diet. Salt fortification may not be an option under the public health drive to decrease sodium intake. A viable route for iodine provision in the British diet is the consumption of seaweeds, which are a rich source of iodine. Our study specifically investigates the feasibility of using commercially available seaweed capsule (Seagreens® human food quality seaweed) as an effective route for iodine supplementation in women, and how to best formulate and market for commercialisation.