Nature's Way Kelp Supplement Review: A Trusted Iodine Source for Thyroid Health

If you use Himalayan pink salt or follow a plant-based diet, you might not be getting enough iodine. Nature’s Way Kelp is a kelp supplement designed to fill that gap with 270 mcg of iodine per capsule—well above the 150 mcg daily recommended value.

I’ve been taking this thyroid support supplement for years now, and it remains a staple in my routine. At 4.4 out of 5 stars, this is a solid option for anyone seeking a natural iodine source from a trusted brand.

Buy if you need a reliable iodine source for thyroid support from a trusted brand with third-party testing. Skip if you have thyroid conditions requiring precise iodine dosing or prefer synthetic iodine supplements.

What I Liked

Iodine Content

The iodine dosage in this kelp supplement hits the mark. Each capsule delivers 270 mcg of iodine, which is 180% of the daily value. This is more than the minimum 150 mcg recommendation, but not excessive.

I take this supplement about four times per week rather than daily. This approach gives my body consistent thyroid support without overloading on iodine.

Third-Party Testing

What sets Nature’s Way apart is their TRU-ID certification. This means they use DNA technology to verify that the capsules contain actual kelp—not fillers or substitutes.

For a plant-based supplement, this authentication matters. You’re getting exactly what the label promises: pure whole thallus kelp without contaminants or additives.

Thyroid Support

The primary benefit is thyroid function support. Iodine is essential for producing thyroid hormones, and inadequate intake can lead to hypothyroidism.

This makes the supplement particularly valuable if you use Himalayan pink salt instead of iodized salt. Pink salt doesn’t contain iodine, so supplementation becomes necessary. For a well-rounded supplement routine, pair iodine with a magnesium glycinate supplement for sleep support, which addresses a different common deficiency.

Natural Antioxidants

Beyond iodine, kelp contains natural antioxidants. These compounds support overall wellness beyond just thyroid health.

The whole thallus formulation means you get the complete nutritional profile of the kelp plant, not just isolated iodine.

Value for Money

At the current price point, you’re getting a substantial supply of capsules. The per-serving cost is reasonable for a third-party tested, whole thallus kelp supplement from an established brand.

What Needs Improvement

Dosage Precision

The 270 mcg per capsule exceeds the recommended 150 mcg daily intake. While this isn’t harmful for most people, it does require attention to how often you take it.

You cannot easily split the dose if you want less iodine. Taking half a capsule isn’t practical with this formulation.

Thyroid Monitoring Required

Some Amazon reviewers reported that the supplement affected their TSH levels. One user specifically advised getting thyroid tests while using kelp supplements.

If you have existing thyroid conditions, this supplement demands medical supervision. The iodine content can push already-sensitive thyroids in either direction—hypo or hyper.

Potential Side Effects

Long-term excess iodine intake has been linked to acne and hair loss in some users. One critical Amazon review mentioned stopping the supplement after experiencing hair shedding.

Absorption Questions

According to ConsumerLab, iodine from kelp may absorb at roughly half the rate of synthetic potassium iodide. This means the effective dose might be lower than the label suggests.

This absorption variability adds uncertainty to dosing that synthetic alternatives don’t have.

How It Compares

vs. NOW Foods Kelp

NOW Foods is often considered the gold standard among supplement brands on Reddit. Their kelp supplement is similarly priced and offers comparable iodine content.

However, Nature’s Way edges ahead with TRU-ID certification. NOW Foods doesn’t advertise the same level of DNA-verified authenticity for their kelp product.

vs. Potassium Iodide Supplements

If precise dosing is your priority, synthetic potassium iodide supplements offer an advantage. According to ConsumerLab, iodine from potassium iodide absorbs more predictably than kelp-sourced iodine.

Potassium iodide also carries lower risk of heavy metal contamination compared to sea-derived supplements. However, you miss out on the whole-plant benefits and natural antioxidants that kelp provides.

vs. Iodized Salt

Many people get their iodine from iodized table salt. This is free and requires no extra supplementation.

But if you’ve switched to Himalayan pink salt, sea salt, or reduced sodium intake, iodized salt isn’t in your diet. A kelp supplement fills this gap naturally.

Nature’s Way offers a reliable middle ground: more natural than synthetic iodine, more convenient than eating seaweed directly, and from a brand with proven quality standards.

Final Verdict

Nature’s Way Kelp earns a 4.4 out of 5 rating. It’s a reliable thyroid support supplement from a brand that takes authenticity seriously.

The TRU-ID certification, whole thallus formulation, and adequate iodine content make this a solid choice for most people seeking natural iodine supplementation. I’ve used it for years and continue to recommend it.

The main drawbacks are the higher-than-RDA iodine content and the need for thyroid monitoring if you have existing conditions. For healthy adults wanting to ensure adequate iodine intake, particularly those avoiding iodized salt, this supplement delivers.

At this price point with this level of quality verification, Nature’s Way Kelp offers good value for a straightforward purpose: getting enough iodine from a natural source.