Avoid Kelp Supplements (2024)

If you are sure HealthTokYou may have noticed a buzz around sea moss, kelp or brown algae, which have become the latest “superfood” to attract the attention of wellness enthusiasts. Historically, seaweed has been used in indigenous medicine to treat various illnesses; today you can buy it at capsules, powdersAnd teas.

There East scientific data to support bladderwrack's more hyperbolic health claims. However, given some of the risks associated with unregulated consumption of algae-derived products, you're probably better off improving your diet in general. We break it down for you here. Interested in more wellness research? Don't forget to check out our tips for live forever in Silicon Valley and if you should apply snail mucus to your face (you probably should).

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What East Bladder fucus?

Photography: Brook Science photo library/Getty Images

“Bladderwrack is a brown algae of the genus To focus which grows in the intertidal regions of temperate zones,” explains Loretta Robersonassociate scientist at the University of Chicago Marine Biological Laboratory. “You can find it here in the United States and Europe, from Ireland to England, and in most places at the same latitude.” The name comes from air-filled bags, or “bladders,” on the algae thallus. These tiny bladders help the plant float and stay closer to sunlight for photosynthesis.

The medicinal use of Bladderwrack dates back centuries. “There was actually a big seaweed industry [in North America] where people would collect big carloads of seaweed and use it for various purposes,” says Roberson. Indigenous people used it for poultices and teas, and in the early 1800s it gained a reputation as a remedy for goiter, a swelling caused by thyroid problems. In the 1860s, it was promoted as a metabolism booster and treatment for obesity. Today, bladderwrack is available in various forms, dried and powdered, as capsule supplements and teas.

Why would you take Bladderwrack?

Bladderwrack supplements make bold claims: weight loss, glowing skin, thyroid support, and more. Some of the most common reasons people take bladderwrack include:

• This can help alleviate gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Bladderwrack contains alginic acid which, when combined with magnesium carbonate, can relieve GERD symptoms. This combination forms a barrier that protects the stomach lining from irritants, potentially reducing inflammation and heartburn.
• This can relieve constipation and diarrhea. Alginic acid also promotes smoother digestion.
• This can help soothe digestive irritations. Bladder mucilage, a gel-like substance, may benefit people with gastritis or indigestion by coating irritated mucous membranes along the digestive tract.

What does science say?

Bethany Marie Doerflergastrointestinal specialist at Northwestern Medicine, says the touted health benefits are linked to bladderwrack's antioxidant properties, but there have been very few studies evaluating its effectiveness or safety in humans.

Like many algae, bladderwrack is full of antioxidants, including phenolic compounds, phlorotannins, fucoxanthin, alginic acid, fucoidans, and small amounts of vitamins A and C. Doerfler points out alginic acid, present in over-the-counter products like Gaviscon progress– as a compound with proven effectiveness.

“These derivatives are studied and considered safe, unlike bladderwrack supplements, which remain largely unregulated and untested,” says Doerfler. “People often move from identifying healthy components to hypothesizing health outcomes, but [bladderwrack supplements] are not supported by research.

Are bladderwrack supplements safe?

Despite the “natural” label often attached to this type of supplement, they carry risks. Algae-derived products can accumulate heavy metals like arsenic and mercury from polluted waters, and even low concentrations over time can lead to serious health problems such as nerve damage or kidney dysfunction.

Another concern is the high iodine content of bladderwrack, which can interfere with thyroid function. According to Roberson, in some countries there are regulations due to high iodine levels, which can affect thyroid health. In the United States, there are no clear guidelines on how much iodine is safe to consume, and the risks associated with excess iodine remain poorly understood. “We don't know thresholds, doses, or potential interactions with other medications due to the lack of research,” says Doerfler.