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Korean markets in the Bay Area are running out of seaweed, reports the Korea Times. That’s because Korean-American consumers are rushing to buy seaweed, kelp and dried laver — all products that contain iodine, which they believe will protect them from possible radiation exposure from Japan’s damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Potassium iodide is used by the body to produce thyroid hormones, and can block radioactive iodine from being taken into the thyroid gland in the aftermath of nuclear disasters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, public health officials have cautioned the public not to take potassium iodide right now as the chances of harmful levels of radiation reaching California from Japan are slim, and the substance can cause serious side effects, including vomiting and bleeding.

What's more, experts say, natural foods containing iodine do not supply enough of it to prevent radioactive contamination.

But many shoppers are rushing to supermarkets anyway — so many that stores are having trouble keeping the shelves stocked.

A San Ramon resident, identified as Mr. Lee, told the Korea Times that when he heard that food containing iodine might prevent radiation poisoning, he went to a Korean market in Oakland to stock up on seaweed. But, he said, the market was sold out. “I just got it from a Korean market in Santa Clara” instead, Mr. Lee said.

With many markets unable to keep seaweed in stock, some Korean-Americans are trying to get the product from Korea by asking their relatives to send it to them in the mail.

According to the manager of Kukje Supermarket in Daly City, seaweed sales have increased by 1,000 percent compared to last year.

“The sale of seaweed has dramatically increased," he told the Korea Times, “so much so that we don't have sufficient quantities in stock.”