What Do Kelp Tablets Do For The Body?

The brown seaweed commonly contained in the dietary supplements stocked on your drugstore shelf is called kelp. It comes in liquid, capsule and tablet form. Purported health benefits of kelp tablets are abundant. However, as with all herbal and alternative remedies, consult with your physician before incorporating kelp into your health care regimen.

Identification

The term kelp describes a number of brown-green seaweed species. Otherwise known as Fucus vesiculosus, black-tang, common seawrack and bladderwrack, kelp is indigenous to the North Atlantic and Pacific shores, as well as the western Mediterranean region. It grows to lengths of 100 feet, but is usually harvested for its therapeutic value when it reaches 3 feet.

Medicinal Actions

Although the U.S. Library of Medicine says that more reliable human studies are needed, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center claims that kelp contains antibacterial and antioxidant properties. According to the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," "The trace mineral content of kelp is among the highest of any known source." Kelp acts as a laxative and contains significant amounts of iodine. It also provides valuable supplies of essential nutrients, such as protein, essential fatty acids, fiber, sodium and potassium salts.

Health Benefits

Due to its iodine content, kelp tablets yield benefits as an herbal remedy for hyperthyroidism, or low-thyroid activity. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center says that kelp can reduce heartburn. Cancer, diabetes and weight loss also may be improved by taking kelp tablets, according to Utah University Huntsman Cancer Institute. Furthermore, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center adds skin care, cellulite, fatigue and menstrual problems to the list of ailments that kelp tablets may benefit.

Considerations

Children and pregnant and nursing women should not use kelp. Avoid taking kelp if you have a hormonal-sensitive cancer, hyperthyroidism or heart problems. Additionally, according to the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute, refrain from using kelp if you suffer from nerve disorders, bleeding, blood clots, acne, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes or allergies to iodine.

Warnings

"Prescription for Herbal Healing" states that the recommended dosage of iodine for adults is 150 micrograms a day. The average kelp-based supplement provides 1,000 micrograms of iodine per dose. Because intakes of over 2,000 micrograms daily can cause low-thyroid activity, limit consumption of kelp to twice weekly.

Additional adverse effects include altered taste, bruising, drooling, rash, low blood cell count, low blood sugar, stomach problems and increased bowel movements.