Vegetarian Bladderwrack

Posted by: Sina Ghaboussi | Jul 29, 2010

Bladderwrack, also known as Fucus vesiculosus, is a brown algae found in the northern Athlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States and baltic coast of Europe. The thallus of the bladderwrack has been used medicinally for heartburn, reflux, constipation, hypothyroidism, obesity and wound healing.

Active ingredients in bladderwrack include iodine, alginic acid and fucoidan. People living close to the ocean have a lower incidence of hyptothyroidism, likely due to consuming an iodine-rich diet, including bladderwrack. Those suffering from hypothyroidism due to insufficient iodine in their diets can consume bladderwrack as a supplement but the content of iodine in the bladderwrack varies with how much iodine is in the water it has grown in. Those suffering from obesity due to iodine poor hypothyroidism would also benefit from an iron rich diet and supplement, although there have been so human studies to support this. Alginic acid is a type of dietary fiber and in theory can be used for the relief of heartburn and constipation, although no studies have been done to confirm this. In animal studies alginic acid helped lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and calcium alginate (calcium salt of alginic acid) has been shown to help wound healing in animals, although no human studies confirm this.

Vegetarian Bladderwrack supplements should be taken according to the manufacturer’s directions. Traditionally, powdered bladderwrack 1 teaspoon can be taken three times per day to relieve constipation. For thyroid problems or heartburn, 5 to 10 grams of dried bladderwrack in capsules. Bladderwrack is considered generally safe but in excessive amounts can aggravate acne and cause either hypo or hyperthyroidism. It is important that bladderwrack be harvested from clean water because if grown in heavy metal contaminated water it can contain high levels of toxin. You should consult a physician before taking bladderwrack if you are less than 18, pregnant or breastfeeding.

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Article Source:
Garby, Alan, et al. The Natural Pharmacy, 3rd edition, 2006

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