If you are on HealthTokyou may have noticed a buzz around seaweed, kelp, or brown algae, which have become the latest “superfood” to capture the attention of wellness enthusiasts. Historically, algae have been used in indigenous medicine for a variety of ailments; today, you can buy it capsules, powderi you have.
there is some science to back up bladderwrack’s most hyperbolic health claims. However, given some of the risks associated with consuming unregulated seaweed products, it’s probably best to improve your diet overall. We break it down for you here. Interested in more wellness research? Don’t forget to check out our tips living forever in Silicon Valley and whether to apply snail mucus to your face (you probably should).
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what it is Bladderwrack?
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Photograph: Brook Science Photo Library/Getty Images
“Bladderwrack is a brown seaweed of the genus Focus which grows in the intertidal regions of temperate zones,” he says Loretta Robersonassociate scientist at the University of Chicago Marine Biology Laboratory. “You can find it here in the United States and in Europe, from Ireland to England, and most places in this same latitude.” The name comes from the air-filled sacs, or “bladders”, on the cut of the seaweed. These little bladders help the plant float and stay closer to sunlight for photosynthesis.
The medicinal use of Bladderwrack dates back centuries. “There was actually a huge kelp industry (in North America) where people would collect big truckloads of kelp and use it for a bunch of different purposes,” says Roberson. Native peoples 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 obesity treatment. Today, bladderwrack is available in a variety of forms, from dried and powdered 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:
- It can 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 acidity.
- It can relieve constipation and diarrhea. Alginic acid also promotes smoother digestion.
- It can help soothe digestive irritation. Bladderwrack mucilage, a gel-like substance, can benefit people with gastritis or indigestion by coating irritated mucous membranes along the digestive tract.
What does science say?
Bethany Marie Doerflera gastrointestinal specialist at Northwestern Medicine, says the touted health benefits are tied to bladderwrack’s antioxidant properties, but there have been very few studies evaluating its effectiveness or safety in humans.
Like many seaweeds, 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 like now Advance Gaviscon—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 (bladder supplements) are not supported by research.”
Are Bladderwrack Supplements Safe?
Despite the “natural” label often attached to these types of supplements, they come with risks. Algae-derived products can accumulate heavy metals such as 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 high iodine content in the bladder, which can interfere with thyroid function. According to Roberson, there are regulations in some countries because of high levels of iodine, which can affect thyroid health. There are no clear guidelines in the US about 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 because of the absence of research,” Doerfler says.
