Bladderwrack
Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a brown seaweed from the coasts of the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea that naturally contains iodine.
Also listed as Fucus Vesiculosis, Organic Bladderwrack, Bladderwrack Powder, Bladderwrack Extract
Who needs particular caution?
EMA advises against use during pregnancy or breastfeeding and in people below age 18. It also records a case of hyperthyroidism in a person taking lithium. Thyroid medicines, iodine preparations and additional bladderwrack products should not be used together with this herbal medicine. 1
The growing environment matters
Memorial Sloan Kettering notes that seaweed from polluted water can contain arsenic, cadmium or mercury, with potential kidney toxicity. A claim that a product is natural does not address that contamination risk. 2
When to seek a review
EMA advises medical review if weight has not fallen after ten weeks of use. Its overdose section describes palpitations, a faster heartbeat, trembling and blood-pressure changes; these are unwanted effects, not evidence that the product is successfully accelerating metabolism. 1
For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.