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if you are on HealthTokYou may have noticed a buzz around sea moss, kelp, or brown algae, which have become the latest “superfood” to catch the attention of wellness enthusiasts. Historically, seaweed has been used in indigenous medicine for a variety of ailments; today you can buy it at capsules, powderand teas.
There is some science to back up the more hyperbolic claims about bladderwrack health. However, given some of the risks associated with consuming unregulated algae products, you’re probably better off improving your overall diet. We break it down for you here. Interested in more wellness research? Don’t forget to check out our tips for living forever in Silicon Valley and whether you should apply snail mucus to your face (you probably should).
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That Is Bladder?
Photo: Brook Science Photo Library/Getty Images
“Bladderwrack is a brown algae of the genus fucus that grows in the intertidal regions of temperate zones,” says Loretta Robersonassociate scientist at the University of Chicago Marine Biological Laboratory. “It can be found here in the United States and in Europe, from Ireland to England, and in most places at that same latitude.” The name comes from air-filled sacs or “bladders” in the thallus of the algae. These small bladders help the plant float and stay closer to sunlight for photosynthesis.
The medicinal use of fucus dates back centuries. “There was actually a huge seaweed industry (in North America) where people would collect big cartloads of seaweed and use it for many different purposes,” Roberson says. Indigenous people used it for poultices and teas, and in the early 19th century, it gained a reputation as a remedy for goiter, an inflammation caused by thyroid problems. In the 1860s, it was promoted as a metabolism stimulant and treatment for obesity. Today, bladderwrack is available in various forms, from dried and powder to 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:
- May help relieve gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. 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.
- It can relieve constipation and diarrhea. Alginic acid also promotes smoother digestion.
- It can help calm digestive irritation. Bladderwrack 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 related to the antioxidant properties of bladderwrack, but there have been very few studies evaluating its effectiveness or safety in humans.
Like many algae, bladderwrack is packed with antioxidants, including phenolics, phlorotannins, fucoxanthin, alginic acid, fucoidans, and small amounts of vitamins A and C. Doerfler points to alginic acid, which is found in over-the-counter products such as Gaviscón advance—as a compound with proven efficacy.
“These derivatives are studied and considered safe, unlike bladderwrack supplements, which remain largely unregulated and untested,” explains Doerfler. “People often go from identifying healthy components to assuming health outcomes, but (fucus supplements) are not supported by research.”
Are bladderwrack supplements safe?
Despite the “natural” label often attached to these types of supplements, come with risks. Algae-derived products can accumulate heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury in contaminated 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 in bladderwrack, which can interfere with thyroid function. According to Roberson, in some countries there are regulations due to high levels of iodine, which can affect thyroid health. There are no clear guidelines in the US on how much iodine is safe to consume, and the risks associated with excess iodine remain misunderstood. “We don’t know thresholds, dosages, or possible interactions with other medications due to lack of research,” Doerfler says.