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Bladderwrack
(Fucus vesiculosus)
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| Introduction |
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| Bladderwrack is a type of marine algae that is dried and then made into a dietary supplement. Bladderwrack and other marine algae have been used for centuries in the medical traditions of Europe and Asia. The low incidence of goiter in maritime populations has been attributed to the iodine content in bladderwrack. Bladderwrack, also contains potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and other minerals. |
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| Reported Uses |
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In addition to providing a dietary source of iodine, bladderwrack may enhance weight loss.(1) It is believed that this potential effect is linked to iodine's stimulation of the thyroid gland, which in turn plays a role in metabolism. Additionally, bladderwrack may lower cholesterol levels.(2, 3)
Studies suggest that some of the active compounds in bladderwrack may inhibit the HIV virus.(4) Other studies suggest that it may lower blood sugar levels while potentially operating as a laxative.(5, 6) Fucoidan, one of the active compounds in bladderwrack, has demonstrated blood thinning properties in laboratory studies(7, 8) and a rat study has shown improvement of blood flow in the kidneys.(9)
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| Dosage Info |
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| Dosage Range |
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Most Common Dosage |
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Dosage Forms |
| 300 - 600mg, 1-3 times a day.
Extract: 4 to 8 ml, 3 times daily.(10) |
600mg, 2 times a day.
Extract: 4 ml, 3 times daily. |
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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| Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects. |
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. However, it has been reported that marine based plants can contain various levels of iodine as well as traces of heavy metals such as arsenic.(11) It is important that the levels of iodine are listed on the product label to ensure safety. If you are planning to have any type of surgery or dental work, stop using this dietary supplement for at least 14 days prior to the procedure. |
Allergy
Some individuals experience an allergic reaction when taking this dietary supplement. This dietary supplement may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.(12) Call your doctor or seek medical attention if you have fast or irregular breathing, skin rash, hives or itching. |
Health Conditions
If you are sensitive to iodine, do not use this dietary supplement. If you have a thyroid condition or a bleeding disorder talk to your doctor before taking this dietary supplement.If you have a bleeding disorder, talk to your doctor before taking this dietary supplement. |
Side Effects
Side effects are possible with any dietary supplement. Excessive use of this dietary supplement may lead to symptoms associated with iodine overdose including hyperthyroidism, tremor, increased pulse rate and hypertension.(13) Tell your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away. |
Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
This dietary supplement should not be used if you are pregnant or breast-feeding an infant.(14) |
Age Limitations
This dietary supplement should not be used in children unless recommended by a physician.(15) |
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| Footnotes |
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1 Curro F, et al. Fucus vesiculosis L. nel Trattamento Medico Dell'Obesita e delle Alterazioni Metaboliche Connesse. Arch Med Interna. 1976;28:19-32.
2 Tang ZL, et al. A study of Laminaria digitata powder on experimental hyperlipoproteinemia and its hemorrheology. Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih. Apr1989;9(4):223-5,198.
View Abstract
3 Wang C, et al. Comparison of effects of two kinds of soluble algae polysaccharide on blood lipid, liver lipid, platelet aggregation and growth in rats. Chung Hua Yu Fang I Hsueh Tsa Chih. Nov1997;31(6):342-5.
View Abstract
4 Beress A, et al. A new procedure for the isolation of anti-HIV compounds (polysaccharides and polyphenols) from the marine alga Fucus vesiculosus. J Nat Prod. Apr1993;56(4):478-88.
View Abstract
5 Lamela M, et al. Hypoglycemic activity of several seaweed extracts. J Ethnopharmacol. Nov1989; 27(1-2):35-43.
View Abstract
6 Newall CA, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press;1996:124-126.
7 Haroun-Bouhedja F, Ellouali M, Sinquin C, Boisson-Vidal C. Relationship between sulfate groups and biological activities of fucans. Thromb Res. Dec2000;100(5):453-9.
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8 Chevolot L, Mulloy B, Ratiskol J, Foucault A, Colliec-Jouault S. A disaccharide repeat unit is the major structure in fucoidans from two species of brown algae. Carbohydr Res. Feb2001;330(4):529-35.
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9 Bojakowski K, Abramczyk P, Bojakowska M, Zwolinska A, Przybylski J, Gaciong Z. Fucoidan improves the renal blood flow in the early stage of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat. J Physiol Pharmacol. Mar2001;52(1):137-43.
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10 PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000:107.
11 Norman JA, Pickford CJ, Sanders TW, Waller M. Human intake of arsenic and iodine from seaweed-based food supplements and health foods available in the UK. Food Addit Contam. Jan1987;5(1):103–109.
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12 Harrell BL, et al. Kelp diet: A Cause of acneiform eruption. Arch Derm. 1976;112:560.
13 PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000:107.
14 Norman JA, Pickford CJ, Sanders TW, Waller M. Human intake of arsenic and iodine from seaweed-based food supplements and health foods available in the UK. Food Addit Contam. Jan1987;5(1):103–109.
View Abstract
15 Norman JA, Pickford CJ, Sanders TW, Waller M. Human intake of arsenic and iodine from seaweed-based food supplements and health foods available in the UK. Food Addit Contam. Jan1987;5(1):103–109.
View Abstract
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