Our goal is to not have a single piece of inaccurate information on this website. FAQs: Consumer Questions & Answers We understand that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. 1,703 Likes, 64 Comments - Mitch Herbert (@mitchmherbert) on Instagram: “Excited to start this journey! Fucoidan is responsible for several potential effects of kelp, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer fighting [5, 6, 7]. Kelp is a great source of vanadium. I figured I was just tired (Captain Obvious here), and that after a bit of rest, I’d be fine. ... UpLift Firming Serum may cause some side effects like inflammation and itching. Fucoidan killed cancer cells by activating the immune system (via natural killer cells) [40, 44]. This later developed into low thyroid activity (hypothyroidism) caused by the excess iodine in the seaweed [73, 74, 75, 76]. Certain kelp-based supplements contain that in one tablet. Plastics become rapidly colonized by microbes when released into marine environments. We believe that the most accurate information is found directly in the scientific source. Abortion is a low-risk procedure. Side Effects. Different methods and amounts are used depending on the trimester (inserted into the cervix). In one study (longitudinal), 171 late second-trimester abortions were performed using Laminaria (cervical preparation). This is recommended even after a sedative/local anesthesia because side effects of these drugs can temporarily impair the coordination and response time. A laminaria stick is a dried bundle of laminaria … Seaweeds are marine algae, saltwater-dwelling, simple plants, including red, brown, and green algae. T3 conversion booster is a supplement (not a medication) which means that it is generally very well tolerated and has minimal side effects. The Japanese, whose diet includes more marine algae, have a gut bacterium for seaweed digestion that is not present in Americans or Europeans. The following purported benefits are only supported by limited, low-quality clinical studies and some animal research. It can also be used as a laxative. In a study of 15 patients with chronic hepatitis C, fucoidan from brown seaweed was used to treat virus-related liver diseases. In another cell study, fucoidan increased proteins that promote bone and mineral formation (via BMP-2, osteocalcin, and ALP). More than 9,000 species exist, including Ascophyllum, Chondrus, Ecklonia, Fucus, Gelidium, Gracilaria, Laminaria, Phaeophycota, Pterocladia, and Rhodophyceae. Its compounds may also block tumor growth and spreading [2]. Sticks made of Laminaria (a type of kelp) are used to induce birth and perform abortions. Fucoidan reduced all important actors in the inflammatory cascade in cell studies. The sticks cause the release of prostaglandins, which act as hormones that help initiate womb contractions [15, 16]. The blood tests also present a decrease in alanine aminotransferase levels. Clinical trials have used an oral dosage range of 4 to 12 g seaweed daily for up to 2 months. The dried stems of the seaweed are formed into "tents" that will swell up gradually. In another trial on 65 people, polyphenols extracted from two different kelp species lowered blood sugar, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers [25]. One gram of powdered kelp contains approximately 200 μg of iodine. Possible Side Effects . Sea kelp comes in liquid and powder forms, but tablets and capsules remain the most popular supplement choice. In some people it can cause acne or worsen thyroid diseases. They are continually monitored by our internal peer-review process and if we see anyone making material science errors, we don't let them write for us again. A layer of this substance is placed just inside the cervix, around the … Levels of arsenic were higher than the FDA tolerance level for certain food products. A study of Xanthigen, which is a type of kelp, showed reduced body weight, waist circumference, and body and liver fat content in 151 non-diabetic obese women. In a brain and spinal cord cell study, fucoidan reduced inflammation (blocking nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 production). Because of the high nutrient content, seaweed has been used as a food throughout Asia. A study of 15 postmenopausal women, 10 of whom were breast cancer survivors, looked at the effects of brown seaweed supplementation over a 3-month period (alternating with placebo). Two women experienced anaphylactic shock, an extremely severe and possibly fatal allergic reaction when Laminaria (a type of kelp) sticks were used to terminate a pregnancy. A 39-year-old woman presented with a case of hyperthyroidism after drinking a kelp-containing herbal tea. Seaweed is also known as brown seaweed, red seaweed, algae, kelp, egg wrack, kombu/konbu, sea spaghetti, wakame, nori, dulse/dillisk, sea lettuce, sea grass, carrageenin, and Irish moss. The opinions expressed in this section are solely those of kelp users, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. What Food Does Your Body Need To Stay Healthy? substance in 1908 from the seaweed Laminaria . Only one had serious complications (no contractions during delivery) and 9 required additional safety measures [17, 15, 18]. The potential health benefits of kelp are wide-ranging – it can fight iodine deficiency, help with diabetes, and prevent blood clots. Join SelfHacked today and start the journey of improving your life. The antioxidant properties of fucoidan (from kelp) were confirmed in a cell study that tested its 2 major components, sulfate and fucose. Toxicology. It originates from a marine bacterium (via gene transfer) living on the surface of some sea algae species [95]. The reaction included breathing difficulty, nausea, and dangerously low blood pressure. This stuff is a lifesaver. Seaweed was employed intravaginally for ripening of the cervix and was used rectally for strictures. Normal side effects of a D&C may last a few days and include: Mild cramping; Spotting or light bleeding; For discomfort from cramping, your doctor may suggest taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or another medication. What complications can occur with an abortion? Besides the type of species, harvesting season and water quality affect the composition of alginates as well. In another study in cells and mice, fucoidan stopped the growth and spread of lung cancer cells by blocking growth pathways (Akt–mTOR and NF-kB) [45, 44]. Commercially available alginate is typically extracted from brown algae (Phaeophyceae), including Laminaria hyperborea, Laminaria digitata, Laminaria japonica, Ascophyllum nodosum, and Macrocystis pyrifera by treatment with aqueous alkali solutions, typically with NaOH . They may be useful in heart conditions due to cholesterol reduction and appetite suppression. Different kelp supplements exist with varying amounts of proteins and other nutrients. Gel synergy: a firmer gel occurs by the combination of sodium alginate with pectin.Such gels are thermo-reversible compared with thermally stable sodium alginate (with calcium ions) gels. japonica (Kombu) by aqueous ... (EFSA, FDA) as safe and the limits were set up, there are studies concern about its side effects … We are dedicated to providing the most scientifically valid, unbiased, and comprehensive information on any given topic. Patients taking warfarin and consuming a large quantity of food containing seaweed may experience a change in international normalized ratio because of seaweed's high vitamin K content. Is Vitamin D Safe for Fertility, Pregnancy & Breastfeeding? Arjuna. Laminarin is a specific type of kelp in the brown algae family rich in nutrients (iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron). This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In addition, seaweed supplements and algae extracts, including the brown seaweed Laminaria, reduced colon, breast, and prostate cancer activity [40, 41, 42, 43]. Carlos received his PhD and MS from the Universidad de Sevilla. Fucoxanthin, a pigment found in brown seaweed, may also boost weight loss [8, 9, 10, 11, 12]. Vishchuk, OS, et. In the absence of a … Depending on the type of kelp or seaweed, the nutrient profile can vary greatly [3]. Learn how your comment data is processed. If iodine deficiency is severe and prolonged, the thyroid gland enlarges and forms a goiter. However, the studies listed should not be interpreted as supportive of any health benefit. A 45-year-old woman with no history of thyroid disease experienced an extended period of thyroid hyperactivity (hyperthyroidism) shortly after beginning a kelp-containing diet. In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, we’ve got to do everything we can to keep our bodies as healthy as possible. Excessive intake of dried seaweed may result in increased serum thyroid-stimulating hormone. Fucoidan also increased the growth of new vessels, improving communication with bones [63, 64]. Available for Android and iOS devices. It also improved liver function tests and increased energy use at rest [29]. The risk of death from abortion is lower than 1 in 100,000 but increases slightly with every week of pregnancy. You can take kelp as food, pill, powder, or tincture. If you want to use it as a supportive measure, talk to your doctor to avoid any unexpected interactions. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. As a huge source of iodine, kelp supplements may interfere with thyroid replacement therapies. Nutrients from seaweed carry potential health benefits. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Further clinical research is needed before concluding for certain that kelp helps with weight loss. Fucoidan improved animal behavior, reduced harmful compounds (TNF-alpha), prevented neuron loss, and protected the cells from damage (reducing reactive oxygen species) that can cause neurodegeneration [48, 49, 50]. But, it didn’t wake back up. Fucoidan showed antioxidant effects and has the potential to be used as a natural antioxidant [7]. Different types of kelp are used, including winged kelp, laminarin, and fingered tangle. However, there are better and safer methods for inducing labor or abortion. What’re the Uses of Sodium Alginate?. Kelp can have many therapeutic and nutritional benefits, as it is a rich source of iodine, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, proteins, and healthy carbohydrates. Start your journey to optimal health with SelfDecode today. In a rat model, fucoidan (present in kelp) was used to reduce inflammation caused by immune cells in the brain. However, seaweeds are an important source of minerals and are low in sodium. Skin reaction, goiter, and, occasionally, intestinal effects may occur. However, excessive amounts may have the opposite effect. Kelp, or brown algae, is found on the coasts of Korea and Japan. Users and supplement manufacturers have established unofficial doses based on trial and error. Medications to manage these side effects can be given as needed. This is less traumatic than using the metal dilators. They also inserted seaweed into the cervix in an attempt to treat dysmenorrhea. Skin reaction, goiter, and, occasionally, intestinal effects may occur. The serum is expensive. Carlos is passionate about learning the mechanisms behind biological processes and communicating science to both academic and non-academic audiences. Kelp has potential cancer-fighting properties. Recently my dr. put me on steroids to clear up my allergies. Editor/authors are masked to the peer review process and editorial decision-making of their own work and are not able to access this work in the online manuscript submission system. Alginates extracted from seaweed have been used in wound dressings. Patients were given 1 to 2 grams of powdered kelp daily, and this treatment restored thyroid function, increasing the concentration of iodine in the urine [20]. Does this product contain inactive fillers or binders? Joe Cohen won the genetic lottery of bad genes. In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. There have been case reports of yellowing of the skin with excessive seaweed … Side Effects & Safety When taken by mouth: Laminaria is LIKELY SAFE when it is consumed in amounts found in food. The Effects of Fermented Laminaria japonica on Short-Term Working Memory and Physical Fitness in the Elderly. Below, we will discuss some preliminary research on kelp’s potential anticancer. It may have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. ... different kelp species (such as Laminaria digitata, Laminaria Hyperborea, Saccharina latissima, Alaria esculenta) that carry more proteins may contain less long-chain carbohydrates (such as fucoidan), and vice-versa [95, 90]. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Note that each number in parentheses [1, 2, 3, etc.] It decreased fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels and serum lipid (fatty acid) levels. Vanadium mimicked insulin in animal studies. Most potential health benefits are supported by only a few, small clinical trials. In a rabbit model, fucoidan helped create new vessels, essential for communication with bones and bone repair. Do not consider user experiences as medical advice. 6.) In brain immune cells (microglia) fucoidan from brown seaweed showed promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases caused by inflammation [6, 56, 57]. It caused no major side effects, with the exception of mild diarrhea at the beginning of the treatment period [27, 10]. The rats also had less inflammation around the area of swelling, moved easier, and had better memory retention after fucoidan treatment [33]. Fucoidan supplements prevented blood clotting in mice. Also, the pills increased HDL levels, which help prevent heart disease associated with diabetes [23, 24]. Laminaria is a type of seaweed kelp. 5.) Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Feb 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 3 Feb 2021), ASHP (updated 29 Jan 2021) and others. The Celts noted that ordinary seaweed contracted as it dried and then expanded with moisture. Most algae have root-like structures called holdfasts that anchor the plant to rocks and other substrates. SelfHacked does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment. In the US, you may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. Kelp has been an essential component of East Asian diets for centuries. Yay! al. During the same visit, th e abortionist inserts multiple laminaria sticks, or sterilized seaweed, to open up the woman’s cervix. SelfDecode’s personalized DNA reports can tell you which vitamins and mineral deficiencies you’re susceptible to, and which foods to consume to prevent these deficiencies. To date, the treatment of calcinosis with magnesium is an indispensable component of the complex therapy of this pathology. Some even complained of developing the dependency on the supplements for thyroid function, due to the resulting iodine imbalance. In another trial on 36 healthy people, kelp increased the levels of the hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland (TSH) [21]. It also protected from toxins, helping the cells avoid death (via hydrogen peroxide and caspase-3) [59, 60, 61, 62]. Contraindications have not yet been identified. It’s mostly in the animal and cell stage and clinical trials have yet to determine if it may be useful in anticancer therapy. This microbial community—the Plastisphere—has recently sparked a multitude of scientific inquiries and generated a breadth of knowledge, which we bring together in this review. This list does not cover all possible side effects. For centuries, seaweed has been of botanical, industrial, and pharmaceutical interest. This can also lead to a lack of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) [13, 2]. Kelp also contains a complex long-chain carbohydrate (polysaccharide) called fucoidan. Mice fed fats from seaweed had increased markers of weight loss in fat tissue. The supplements also decreased the activity of blood clot stimulators (platelets and fibrin). We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -. Your email address will not be published. Fucoidan from kelp may kill cancer cells and stop their growth [5]. SelfHacked © 2013 – 2021 All Rights Reserved. Levels of other toxic heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead, aluminum, and mercury in Korean seaweed were determined to be very low and not a health threat [82, 83, 84]. Fucoxanthin, a pigment from seaweed, produced these effects [12, 30]. Fucoidan, a key component of seaweed, may fight cancer and stop tumor growth, based on both cell and animal models. Our science team must pass long technical science tests, difficult logical reasoning and reading comprehension tests. Be sure to discuss with your doctor if it may be helpful in your case and how you should take it. It improved thyroid function in a study of 7 patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities and hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency. After 8 to 10 months of treatment, hepatitis C virus (HCV) levels in the blood significantly decreased [46]. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Kelp reduced the weight of liver and fat tissue, glucose, and fats (cholesterol and fatty acids) in the blood. There have been case reports of yellowing of the skin with excessive seaweed consumption. All in all, the evidence suggests that appropriate kelp doses may improve iodine deficiency and thyroid function. Of the 10 extracts, 4 experienced decreased blood pressure after both a single dose and routine use [69]. Excessive amounts of iodine, similar to deficiencies, can alter thyroid hormones released and impair overall thyroid function [92, 74, 93, 94]. This caused iodine toxicity, impairing thyroid function, and possible arsenic poisoning (present in the patient’s urine) that caused the symptoms [80, 74]. No clinical evidence supports the use of kelp for any of the conditions listed in this section. Although limited, the evidence suggests that kelp and its compounds may help lower blood sugar and insulin resistance. In a clinical trial on 24 people, dietary fucoidan prevented the formation of blood clots by increasing the production of two messengers (hydrogen peroxide and prostacyclins) in the blood vessels [32]. A 54-year-old woman experienced hair loss worsening, memory loss, fatigue, and nausea due to exceeding the prescribed amount of kelp supplements. From the excessive iodine, the thyroid glands swelled, leading to hypothyroidism and reducing liver function [78, 79, 74]. Despite the positive laboratory findings, these results did not lead to significant clinical improvements [46, 47]. Fucoidan reduced the growth of leukemia cells and killed 2 out of 4 lines tested in a study. Kelp features in the diets of many civilizations, including Chinese, Greek, and Iceland; however, the … You must consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. In the cases of inflammation, oxidative damage, herpes, brain protection, bone health, and blood pressure and fats, only animal and cell-based studies have been carried out. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers because of something you have read on SelfHacked. Kelp is also an excellent source of vanadium, used in clinical studies to lower glucose levels in individuals suffering from diabetes type 1 and 2. It caused no major side effects, with the exception of mild diarrhea at the beginning of the treatment period [27, 10]. Is it gluten-free? Selfhacked LLC does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. SelfHacked has the strictest sourcing guidelines in the health industry and we almost exclusively link to medically peer-reviewed studies, usually on PubMed. Users regarded kelp as an effective agent for weight loss and an essential ingredient in energy-boosting juices. Kelp may also improve diabetes, reduce blood clots, and even help fight hepatitis C and breast cancer [1]. He then started working as a freelancer, mainly in science writing, editing, and consulting. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This stick absorbs moisture and opens the cervix, as it swells. Ten protein extracts from a particular sea kelp (wakame) were given to rats with high blood pressure. Mice given fucoidan had better survival rates. Their reviews do not represent the opinions of SelfHacked. Macrocystis pyrifera, commonly known as giant kelp or giant bladder kelp, is a species of kelp (large brown algae), and one of four species in the genus Macrocystis.Despite its appearance, it is not a plant; it is a heterokont.Giant kelp is common along the coast of the western Pacific Ocean, from Baja California north to southeast Alaska, and is also found in the southern oceans near … However, an extract with seaweed polyphenols was ineffective at lowering blood sugar levels (both before and after meals) in a trial on 26 people [26]. In nature, different kelp species (such as Laminaria digitata, Laminaria Hyperborea, Saccharina latissima, Alaria esculenta) that carry more proteins may contain less long-chain carbohydrates (such as fucoidan), and vice-versa [95, 90]. In a Japanese clinical trial on 13 people, eating 15-30 grams of kelp per day suppressed thyroid function, resulting in low thyroid hormone levels [22]. A plus sign next to the number “[1+, 2+, etc...]” means that the information is found within the full scientific study rather than the abstract. Certain kelp supplement users complained of gaining weight and experiencing depression after long periods of use. Importantly, the FDA-recommended dosage for daily intake of iodine is 225 μg. In fact, this diet introduced kelp into different regions across the world. In a cell study, alginate (a carbohydrate present in the walls of algae and seaweed) reduced the activity of a protein in the pancreas that breaks down fats (pancreatic lipase). Jonathan Ritter, PharmD, PhD (Pharmacology). Oral vanadium supplements (150 to 300 mg daily) given to 14 type 1 diabetic patients (longitudinal study) for 30 months decreased fasting blood sugar levels by over 30%. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of kelp for any of the below-listed uses until the existing results are replicated in larger, more robust clinical trials. Laminaria … turmeric, saw palmetto, Ginkgo Biloba, garlic. Day 2: The abortionist replaces the laminaria and may perform a second ultrasound to ensure that the baby is dead. Previous laminaria tent procedures possibly caused this sensitivity [91]. Because kelp supplements are not approved for any health conditions, there is no official dose. Are there side effects when using this supplement? Of these, 26 were deemed to potentially lead to iodine intake above the accepted level [90]. 帶; pinyin: Hǎidài).. Another study, which featured in Frontiers in Microbiology, examined Laminaria ochroleuca, ... Secondly, many drugs have toxic side effects that make them unusable. Information is shared for educational purposes only. Several years ago back when I was in college, I pulled an all-nighter, and by 5:00 am, the upper right side of my face went to sleep. Depending on the circumstances, doctors may [19]: Kelp has a high iodine content (200 to 400 µg). According to the most current studies, the rate varies from 9.5 to 33.7 percent of all pregnancies annually. Kelp is a form of large brown sea algae. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. Dietary fiber, peptides, lipids, and minerals protect the heart. Treatment is with ultrasound-guided dilators or with osmotic dilators such as laminaria tents (where the dried-out laminaria seaweed is packed into the cervix and slowly expands). There are few clinical trials to support therapeutic recommendations for seaweeds. Powdered seaweed pills reduced sugar levels in a study of 20 subjects with type 2 diabetes (RCT), taken daily for 4 weeks. Afterward, your doctor will insert a dilating stick (osmotic dilator) called laminaria into your cervix. Dried seaweed may have high heavy metal content, such as cadmium (Cd). The treatment improved immune response (innate and adaptive), increasing antibody production [58]. It increased the activity of a protein that breaks down fatty acids (lipoprotein lipase), dissolving the plaque in arteries [72]. Preparations containing Mg - Magnesium hydroxide, Magnesium lactate, Magnesium citrate (Magnesol), Magnumum, Magne B6 (Magvit B6), etc.