Japanese people’s high seaweed intake might be one reason why they have the highest life expectancy in the world ( 57). Wang, X. et al. Preparation of cucumber seed peptide-calcium chelate by liquid state fermentation and its characterization. Food Chem. 229, 487–494 (2017). Kandra, P., Challa, M. M. & Jyothi, H. K. Efficient use of shrimp waste: Present and future trends. Appl. Microbiol. Biot. 93, 17–29 (2012).

Jung, W. K., Lee, B. J. & Kim, S. K. Fish-bone peptide increases calcium solubility and bioavailability in ovariectomised rats. Br. J. Nutr. 95, 124–128 (2006). The seaweed samples were dried at 40 °C in air dryer machine until persistent weight was obtained. The moisture content was determined by oven (Victor, England) drying method at 105 °C. Analysis of ash content Choi, J. S., Lee, H. J., Jin, S. K., Lee, H. J. & Choi, Y. I. Effect of oyster shell calcium powder on the quality of restructured pork ham. Korean J. Food Sci. Technol. 34, 372–377 (2014).

Turning the tide

The medical issue known as hypocalcemia affects your dog if the calcium levels in its blood are below normal. Essential body processes include the development of bones and teeth, blood clotting, milk generation, muscular contraction, heart pumping, eyesight, and the metabolism of hormones and enzymes, and all depend on calcium. The RDI of iodine is 150 micrograms for adults, 220 micrograms for pregnant women and 290 micrograms for breastfeeding women. According to the NIH, 5 grams of dried nori contains 116 micrograms of iodine, or 77% of the RDI for adults. Iodine deficiencies can cause goiters (thyroid gland enlargement), hypothyroidism and pregnancy complications. May Promote Heart Health Seaweed can also provide a boost to your dog's metabolism. A sluggish metabolism can lead to weight gain and other health issues, but the nutrients in seaweed can help to boost their natural immune defense and response. The iodine found in certain types of seaweed helps regulate the function of the thyroid gland, which plays a key role in metabolism. Additionally, seaweed is rich in fiber, which aids digestion and keeps food moving properly and efficiently through the dog's gut as well as increasing nutrient uptake. By incorporating seaweed into your dog's diet, you can support their overall metabolic health and keep them feeling energetic and active. Seaweed can also assist with dogs' joint health. With its natural anti-inflammatory properties , seaweed helps reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis and other joint conditions. The omega fatty acids found in seaweed can also play a crucial role in maintaining healthy joints by lubricating them and promoting flexibility. Incorporating seaweed into your dog's diet can help improve their mobility and overall quality of life. Peng, Z., Hou, H., Zhang, K. & Li, B. Effect of calcium-binding peptide from pacific cod ( Gadus Macrocephalus) bone on calcium bioavailability in rats. Food Chem. 221, 373–378 (2017).

While a few case reports have associated iodine-containing kelp consumption and thyroid dysfunction, thyroid function returned to regular once consumption stopped ( 58, 59). However, the daily average intake of iodine in Japan is estimated to be 1,000–3,000 mcg (667–2,000% of the RDI). This poses a risk to those who consume seaweed every day, as 1,100 mcg of iodine is the tolerable upper limit (TUL) for adults ( 7, 6). Brennan, O., Stenson, B., Widaa, A., O Gorman, D. M. & O Brien, F. J. Incorporation of the natural marine multi-mineral dietary supplement aquamin enhances osteogenesis and improves the mechanical properties of a collagen-based bone graft substitute. J. Mech. Behav. Biomed. 47, 114–123 (2015). Gbenebor, O. P., Adeosun, S. O., Lawal, G. I. & Jun, S. Role of CaCO 3 in the physicochemical properties of crustacean-sourced structural polysaccharides. Mater. Chem. Phys. 184, 203–209 (2016). Marine sources of calcium organic acids are primarily fishbones, shrimp, crab shells, and other shells 3. To facilitate easy calcium absorption, appropriate processes such as calcination, enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation methods should be selected according to the nutritional composition and associated processing properties 55, 56. Subsequently, citric acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, and/or propionic acid are added to prepare calcium organic acids. The solubility and bioavailability of calcium from natural sources of shellfish calcium with citrate and lactate were increased after decompression treatment 26. Fishbones can be fermented with Leuconostoc mesenteroides to obtain high amounts of soluble calcium with free calcium, calcium amino acids, calcium acetate, small peptide calcium, and calcium lactate. The fermentation of grass fishbones can increase calcium bioavailability and also help avoid wastage of fishbone calcium and aquatic proteins 57. Calcium chelateExperiments were carried out to measure the contents of moisture, dry matter, ash, dietary fiber, lipid and protein present in the prepared samples. Each chemical assay experiment for an individual seaweed sample was performed in triplicates. Analysis of moisture content Ross, E. A., Szabo, N. J. & Tebbett, I. R. Lead content of calcium supplements. JAMA 284, 1425–1429 (2000). Antioxidants can make unstable substances in your body called free radicals less reactive ( 18, 19). Factors that increase your risk include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and being physically inactive or overweight ( 40).