Bladderwrack
(Fucus vesiculosus)

General Info

Active Forms

Absorption

Dietary Sources

Dosage Info

Dosage Range
300 - 600mg, 1-3 times a day.

Extract: 4 to 8 ml, 3 times daily.(1)

Most Common Dosage
600mg, 2 times a day.

Extract: 4 ml, 3 times daily.

Dosage Forms

Adult RDI

Adult ODA

Overview

Interactions

Drug/Herb Interactions
•	Anticoagulant medications
•	Antiplatelet medications
•	Thyroid medications
•	Free iodine increasing agents
•	Diabetic / Hypoglycemic medications

Fucus, or bladderwrack, consists of the entire thallus of the marine plant Fucus vesiculosus. The fronds are dried as soon as possible after collection in preparation for use as dietary supplements. Marine algae have enjoyed a long usage in the materia medica of Europe and Asia (the Chinese have used bladderwrack for at least 4,000 years). Bladderwrack is a rich source of iodine, and is traditionally used in weight loss and hypothyroidism.(2, 3, 4) The low incidence of goiter in maritime people has been attributed to the iodine content in bladderwrack.(5) Bladderwrack also contains potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and other minerals.(6) Historically, bladderwrack has been used in the dairy and baking industries, due to the gelling properties of the constituent algin.

The ability of marine plants to accumulate heavy metals and other toxic elements is recognized. Manufacturing should include testing for these and other contaminants - use caution when recommending bladderwrack or other seaweed products that may contain contaminants. Levels of iodine should also be listed on the product label to ensure safety.(7)

Toxicities & Precautions

General
Bladderwrack is safe in recommended dosages. 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.(8) It is important that the levels of iodine are listed on the product label to ensure safety.

Stop using this dietary supplement for at least 14 days prior to any type of surgery or dental work.

Allergy
There have been reports of seaweed causing contact dermatitis, so caution should be used in sensitive individuals.(9)

Health Conditions
Individuals with thyroid disorders should only use fucus under the supervision of a physician.

Avoid use in individuals with iodine sensitivity.

Based on pharmacology, use with caution in individuals with bleeding disorders.

Side Effects
Overdoses may lead to hyperthyroidism, tremor, increased pulse rate, and hypertension. These effects are likely the result of an iodine overdose. The adult RDA for iodine 150mcg per day with an upper limit for iodine not to exceed 1,100mcg daily.(10)

Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
Do not use fucus in pregnancy and lactation due to the potential for marine plants to contain heavy metals, such as arsenic.(11)

Age Limitations
Due to the potential for marine plants to contain heavy metals, such as arsenic,(12) concern is warranted when using fucus in young children.

Symptoms & Causes of Deficiency

Footnotes

¹ PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000:107.
² Curro F, et al. Fucus vesiculosis L. nel Trattamento Medico Dell'Obesita e delle Alterazioni Metaboliche Connesse. Arch Med Interna. 1976;28:19-32.
³ Newall CA, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press;1996:124-126.
⁴ Moro CO, Basile G. Obesity and Medicinal Plants. Fitoterapia. Aug2000;71(Suppl 1):S73-S82.
View Abstract
⁵ Burkholder PR. Drugs from the Sea. Armed Forces Chem J. 1963;17(6):12-16.
⁶ Duke JA. Handbook of phytochemical constituents of GRAS herbs and other economic plants. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press;1992.
⁷ Phaneuf D, Cote I, Dumas P, et al. Evaluation of the Contamination of Marine Algae (Seaweed) from the St. Lawrence River and Likely to be Consumed by Humans. Environ Res. Feb1999;80(2 Pt 2):S175-S182.
View Abstract
⁸ 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
⁹ Harrell BL, et al. Kelp diet: A Cause of acneiform eruption. Arch Derm. 1976;112:560.
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.
View Abstract
¹² 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

Bladderwrack(Fucus vesiculosus)

Bladderwrack
(Fucus vesiculosus)