Kelp, or seaweed, is offered for use as a dietary supplement in tablet form. This plant is known by many other names as well, as reported by The U.S. National Library of Medicine, including black-tang, bladder, bladder fucus, bladderwrack, Blasen-tang, brown algae, common seawrack, and others. The primary health benefit from kelp comes from its high concentration of natural iodine.
Thyroid Disease
The most common use of kelp is in treatment of hypothyroid disease. Tests conducted by the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, concluded that the iodine in kelp supplements is beneficial in treatment of hypothyroidism. Study patients who received kelp instead of placebo had increased levels of thyroid stimulating hormone after 4 weeks.
Other Uses
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, kelp seems to be beneficial in treatment of several other medical conditions, including lowering blood sugar in diabetes patients, slowing the growth of cancer cells and as an aid to weight loss. The studies suggest that kelp provides antioxidant, anticoagulant, antibacterial and antifungal properties as well. However, they warn that no studies conclusively support its use for these conditions.
Caution
Complementary Prescriptions warns that kelp supplement tablets may be contaminated with heavy metals, specifically arsenic. Because the iodine content of kelp supplements is wildly variable, the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition warns against its use in treatment of hypothyroidism. However, according to the Internet Health Library, the consumption of iodized salt or kelp may prevent the onset of hypothyroidism. Consult your health care provider about the use of kelp supplements and whether they are appropriate for you.
References
- European Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Iodine Supplement of Pregnant Woman in Europe: A Review and Recommendations
- Internet Health Library: Hypothyroidism Research
- Complementary Prescriptions: Kelp Supplements May Contain Arsenic
- Medline Plus: Seaweed, Kelp, Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
- Ray Sahelian, M.D.: Kelp Supplement Benefit and Side Effects
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