Fucus vesiculosus, more commonly known as bladderwrack, is a seaweed that grows in coastal ocean areas around Europe and the United States. Fucus vesiculosus has been used in traditional medicine to treat tissue inflammations, digestive problems and wounds. Bladderwrack also contains high levels of iodine, which can help to supplement iodine deficiencies and treat hypothyroidism related to the deficiency. Taking bladderwrack poses several health risks, however, and you should always consult your doctor before starting any herbal regimen.
Nephrotoxicity
Because fucus vesivulosus is a type of seaweed, it can contain certain toxic heavy metals if it's growing in polluted ocean waters. Consuming bladderwrack could expose you to heavy metals like mercury and arsenic, which may lead to nephrotoxicity and kidney or liver damage, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. There is one case report that indicates the use of a product containing bladderwrack led to kidney failure, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The bladderwrack product contained high levels of heavy metals. In addition to kidney damage, heavy metals can cause nerve damage and other health problems. Although exposure to heavy metals can harm everyone, pregnant and lactating women, children, and people with kidney problems are especially at risk of developing dangerous health problems. To avoid the health risks associated with heavy metals, you should use bladderwrack that's harvested from only clean waters that are free of heavy metals and other contaminants, advises the University of Michigan Health System.
Iodine Overdose & Thyroid Conditions
Because Fucus vesiculosus contains varying levels of iodine, you could suffer from iodine overdose if you take too much of the herb. Consuming too much iodine can cause thyroid problems, particularly hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Even taking the recommended dosage of bladderwrack can still put you at risk of iodine overdose because studies have discovered that bladderwrack products can vary greatly in their iodine content, warns the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Increased Cancer Cell Growth
Bladderwrack may affect estrogen hormone receptors in the body, which could potentially increase cell growth in hormonal-sensitive cancers, cautions the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. If you have an estrogen-sensitive cancer, such as breast cancer, you should use bladderwrack only under the close supervision of a physician.
Prescription Medication Interactions
If you take certain prescription drugs, fucus vesiculosus may interfere with their effects. Due to bladderwrack's potential ability to reduce blood pressure and inhibit cholesterol absorption, taking bladderwrack along with cholesterol-lowering or blood pressure-lowering medications may increase the drugs' effects, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. If you take medications to treat high cholesterol or hypertension, you should consult your doctor before taking bladderwrack.
Acne
Taking bladderwrack may worsen or cause acne, especially if you take large amounts of it (reference 1). This side effect is due to the high iodine content in fucus vesiculosus, notes the University of Michigan Health System. The iodine in bladderwrack and other seaweeds could also inhibit your body's ability to absorb iron, adds the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Member Comments