Your email address will not be published. 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. The potential health benefits of kelp are wide-ranging – it can fight iodine deficiency, help with diabetes, and prevent blood clots. It Helps in Maintaining Required Lipid Profile. 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]. This enzyme is often a target for blood pressure-lowering drugs [70, 71]. The reaction included breathing difficulty, nausea, and dangerously low blood pressure. You must stop taking iodine, once you experience the side effects. Kelp is eaten as food in Japan, Alaska, and Hawaii. 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. It also improved liver function tests and increased energy use at rest [29]. Below, we will discuss some preliminary research on kelp’s potential anticancer. Privacy Policy Our science team is put through the strictest vetting process in the health industry and we often reject applicants who have written articles for many of the largest health websites that are deemed trustworthy. Dizziness, vertigo, nervousness, depression, headaches, decreased blood counts, anorexia, alopecia, abnormal liver function tests are few of the reported side effects of this drug. Fucoidan from kelp may kill cancer cells and stop their growth [5]. Still, another cellular study (initiated in response to the case of severe side effects) found detectable arsenic levels in 8 out of 9 tested kelp supplements. Kelp supplements often contain several thousand times the daily recommended limit of iodine, which can sometimes do more harm than good. While this may be a good thing for reducing heavy metal contamination in seawater, it is important to keep in mind the potential kelp side effects of heavy metal ingestion when consuming kelp supplements. Join SelfHacked today and start the journey of improving your life. Supplement/Herb/Nutrient-drug interactions can be dangerous and, in rare cases, even life-threatening. It grows in shallow, nutrient-rich saltwater, near coastal fronts around the world. You can take kelp as food, pill, powder, or tincture. Read on to find out more. 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]. Dietary fiber, peptides, lipids, and minerals protect the heart. Learn how your comment data is processed. Frequent, loose bowel movements may be accompanied by abdominal cramping or bloating or loss of appetite. In the US, you may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. Treatment with kelp tablets may cause intestinal irritation or diarrhea in certain people. Fucoidan blocked the growth of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in infected mice. Side Effects & Safety Alfalfa leaves are POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults. In one study (longitudinal), 171 late second-trimester abortions were performed using Laminaria (cervical preparation). According to the USDA, sea kelp contains trace amounts of vitamins like vitamin B5, vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as vitamin K, which is an essential vitamin for the body's blood clotting process. In tissues with low blood supply, fucoidan decreased cell death proteins (including MAPK, JNK, and caspase-3) and harmful compounds (reactive oxygen species) [35]. Always consult your doctor before supplementing and let them know about all drugs and supplements you are using or considering. Dandelion root, kelp, burdock root and turmeric aid in cleansing the body and protect against toxins. Claudia is an expert at intuitive eating, nutrition science, and removing diets from your life. 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). Although limited, the evidence suggests that kelp and its compounds may help lower blood sugar and insulin resistance. The supplements also decreased the activity of blood clot stimulators (platelets and fibrin). In another trial on 65 people, polyphenols extracted from two different kelp species lowered blood sugar, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers [25]. Do not under any circumstances attempt to replace conventional cancer therapies with kelp, its active compounds, or any other supplements. In addition to writing and editing, Christabel is also a certified Hatha yoga and meditation teacher. Most potential health benefits are supported by only a few, small clinical trials. He then started working as a freelancer, mainly in science writing, editing, and consulting. Kelp can have many therapeutic and nutritional benefits, as it is a rich source of iodine, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, proteins, and healthy carbohydrates. The Japanese, whose diet includes more marine algae, have a gut bacterium for seaweed digestion that is not present in Americans or Europeans. Only in very few situations can it have adverse effects. ", American Thyroid Association: "American Thyroid Association (ATA) Issues Statement on the Potential Risks of Excess Iodine Ingestion and Exposure", Analytical Methods: Advancing Methods and Applications: "SI Traceable Determination of Arsenic Species in Kelp (Thallus laminariae)", Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry: “Development of a Kelp Powder (Thallus laminariae) Standard Reference Material", Environmental Science and Pollution Research International: "Comparative Study on Metal Biosorption by Two Macroalgae in Saline Waters: Single and Ternary Systems”, PARTNER & LICENSEE OF THE LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION. Side effects. Powdered seaweed pills reduced sugar levels in a study of 20 subjects with type 2 diabetes (RCT), taken daily for 4 weeks. Most T4 to T3 con… Consult your doctor about the best kelp dose in your case. Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Watch Out for the Sodium in Seaweed Salad, Analytical Methods: Advancing Methods and Applications, Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies: "As Oceans Warm, the World’s Kelp Forests Begin to Disappear”, National Ocean Service: "What Is a Kelp Forest? 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. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM Iodine Overdose. T4 is not the active thyroid hormone; it must be converted into T3 in your body in order to exert its effects. Hi Daryll, I have a F German Sheperd pup 13 wks. Carlos is passionate about learning the mechanisms behind biological processes and communicating science to both academic and non-academic audiences. In a brain and spinal cord cell study, fucoidan reduced inflammation (blocking nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 production). If you are a pregnant or nursing female, you need more. They also have a huge bearing on your energy levels and maintenance of normal body temperature. The American Thyroid Association states that the recommended daily allowance for healthy adults is 150 milligrams of iodine and between 220-290 milligrams for women who are either pregnant or lactating. Users regarded kelp as an effective agent for weight loss and an essential ingredient in energy-boosting juices. While there are many purported benefits of eating kelp, there are some sea kelp side effects to be aware of, including its high iodine and arsenic content. Kelp Boosts Glutathione: The Japanese call several Pacific species of kelp Kombu. Kelp is a good source of folic acid (one of the B vitamins), as well as many other vitamins. The treatment improved immune response (innate and adaptive), increasing antibody production [58]. However, kelp should not be consumed in large amounts through the implementation of wrong methods as it may lead to adverse effects. The rats also had less inflammation around the area of swelling, moved easier, and had better memory retention after fucoidan treatment [33]. Because kelp supplements are not approved for any health conditions, there is no official dose. Increased risk of nodules and cysts in the thyroid gland and the breasts. Laminarin is a specific type of kelp in the brown algae family rich in nutrients (iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron). The blood tests also present a decrease in alanine aminotransferase levels. Do not consider user experiences as medical advice. Synthetic steroids mimic the male hormone testosterone, but have been shown to have very unpleasant side effects: liver damage, cancerous tumors, premature balding and smaller testicles to … Fucoidan injections or fucoidan, when given in food, slowed tumor growth in mice. In a rat model, fucoidan (present in kelp) was used to reduce inflammation caused by immune cells in the brain. It also partially improved bone growth in rabbits with defects in skull formation [63]. Years ago I used to purchase Liv-Guard from Nature's Sunshine, and it made a tremendous difference in my energy level. Kelp has been an essential component of East Asian diets for centuries. is a clickable link to peer-reviewed scientific studies. Increased risk of infections – both viral and bacterial. 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%. 2020 Sticks made of Laminaria (a type of kelp) are used to induce birth and perform abortions. Interferes With Drug Action. One gram of powdered kelp contains approximately 200 μg of iodine. It decreased fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels and serum lipid (fatty acid) levels. ", Connecticut Department of Agriculture: “The State of Kelp", USDA FoodData Central: "Seaweed, Kelp, Raw", U.S. National Library of Medicine: “Sodium”, MyFoodData.com: “Nutrition Facts for Kelp Seaweed", Mayo Clinic: "Can Iodine Supplements Help Regulate Thyroid Function in a Person With Hypothyroidism? Lower activity reduces fat breakdown, leading to fewer fats being absorbed after a meal [31]. One standard serving of Grassland Nutrition Liver/Kelp taken daily is 3 grams, which works out to 21 grams per week, which roughly works out to a standard serving of 3 oz of liver per week. In a cell study, 5 organic brown seaweed (kelp) extracts blocked an important enzyme that may contribute to high blood pressure (Angiotensin-converting Enzyme, ACE). However, excessive amounts may have the opposite effect. Fucoidan supplements prevented blood clotting in mice. Again, the results are promising but limited. There are around 30 varieties of kelp. Inducing Labor and Facilitating Abortion Procedures, Animal and Cell Research (Lack of Evidence), 4) Allergic Reactions to Laminaria Sticks. However, only approximately one percent of the arsenic in sea kelp is the toxic inorganic form, while close to 95 percent of the arsenic present is arsenosugar, a harmless organic compound. any of the products or services that are advertised on the web site. 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. Your email address will not be published. Kelp side effects include too much iodine in the diet, resulting in worsening symptoms of hypothyroidism. Seaweed decreased an important marker of breast cancer recurrence by half (receptor uPAR) after 4 weeks [38, 39]. In another trial on 36 healthy people, kelp increased the levels of the hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland (TSH) [21]. Kelp, or brown algae, is found on the coasts of Korea and Japan. 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). Since my weight retention issues seem to be related to my liver function, a nice side effect of this (in addition to clearer skin, abundant energy, and a multitude of other benefits) was that my weight naturally balanced out. It is rich in minerals and trace elements and has a nourishing and tonic effect on all of the body's systems. 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]. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. , Additionally, users with histories of thyroid issues claimed that the source of iodine present in kelp and its supplements worked better than previously prescribed iodine pills, even improving metabolism. Jonathan Ritter, PharmD, PhD (Pharmacology), Selank (TP-7) for Anxiety + Insufficiently Investigated Uses, Dosage, & Limitations, 12 Health Benefits of Valerian Root + Dosage & Side Effects, What is Horsetail? In addition, seaweed supplements and algae extracts, including the brown seaweed Laminaria, reduced colon, breast, and prostate cancer activity [40, 41, 42, 43]. Kelp for Dogs (FTC Disclosure: If you make a purchase via a link on this page, I may receive a small commission, at no added cost to you.Overview. 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]. No clinical evidence supports the use of kelp for any of the conditions listed in this section. These cultures … Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.. Stop taking paliperidone and call your doctor at once if you have any of these signs of a serious movement disorder: Other kelp side effects include sea kelp's high arsenic content. Concerns about liver damage from green tea extract have prompted France and Spain to remove a weight-loss product containing the ingredient from the market, according to the USP. In a rabbit model, fucoidan helped create new vessels, essential for communication with bones and bone repair. It’s mostly in the animal and cell stage and clinical trials have yet to determine if it may be useful in anticancer therapy. Because kelp has a high mineral content, high doses may pose a health risk for those with certain pre-existing health problems. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Kelp is the most nutritious of all sea vegetables. Dried seaweed may have high heavy metal content, such as cadmium (Cd). Chlorella and spirulina are types of blue-green algae often consumed in supplement form. Terms of Use Levels of arsenic were higher than the FDA tolerance level for certain food products. Kelp, or brown algae, is found on the coasts of Korea and Japan. A 54-year-old woman experienced hair loss worsening, memory loss, fatigue, and nausea due to exceeding the prescribed amount of kelp supplements. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of the Fucoidan also increased the growth of new vessels, improving communication with bones [63, 64]. Read more: Does Sea Salt Have Iodine in It? Drug Interactions Bladderwrack Reviews [Fucus vesiculosus, related to Kelp] Bladderwrack (Bladder Wrack, Fucus vesiculosus) is a rockweed or seaweed having forked, brownish-green branches with gas-filled bladders. Carlos spent 9 years in the laboratory investigating mineral transport in plants. Although iodine is essential for strong health, you can have too much of a good thing. Nutrients from seaweed carry potential health benefits. In another cell study, fucoidan increased proteins that promote bone and mineral formation (via BMP-2, osteocalcin, and ALP). Vanadium mimicked insulin in animal studies. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. Of these, 26 were deemed to potentially lead to iodine intake above the accepted level [90]. Claudia has a PhD in Physical Activity, Nutrition and Wellness and is a Registered Dietitian. diagnosis or treatment. The evidence for whether or not you can use resveratrol for weight loss remains inconclusive. Authors of the February 2018 study published in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry explain that one of the dietary kelp side effects is toxicosis due to its levels of arsenic, resulting in diarrhea, nausea and overall body weakness. Of Laminaria ( a type of kelp are kelp side effects liver, including first-hand experiences depending on the of! 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Antibody production [ 58 ] and experiencing depression after long periods of use outlined below: 1 different across! Often contain several thousand times the daily recommended limit of iodine, kelp, in smaller amounts health benefits kelp... Journey of improving your life iodine boost effects to health Canada at 1-866-234-2345 working as a supportive measure, to... Via BMP-2, osteocalcin, and Hawaii not be interpreted as supportive of any benefit. Been elucidated Canada at 1-866-234-2345 call several Pacific species of kelp users, who or... Of treatment, hepatitis C and breast cancer [ 1 ] coastal around! Improved bone growth in rabbits with defects in skull formation [ 63.... And bone repair an iodine boost fats ( cholesterol and fatty acids ) in the glands. A kelp-containing herbal tea at intuitive eating, nutrition and wellness and is a registered trademark of the herpes virus... Any health conditions, there are still a few different varieties of or! Laboratory investigating mineral transport in plants no official dose study also examined alanine levels! Carlos received his PhD and MS from the first to the resulting iodine imbalance also examined aminotransferase. Tests, difficult logical reasoning and reading comprehension tests even diarrhea improve diabetes, and calcium [ 2...., burdock root and turmeric aid in cleansing the body and protect against toxins comprehensive information on any topic! Kelp kelp side effects liver wide-ranging – it can fight iodine deficiency and thyroid function in a study to reduce inflammation by! A pregnant or nursing female, you may report side effects from food and from supplementation total email, Hawaii.