Taking a pill to lose weight may seem too easy, but Science Daily has reported on some research that shows it may be that simple. The main ingredient in the pill may surprise you--seaweed. The research at Newcastle University was led by Dr. Iain Brownlee, who told the publication that his laboratory studies showed the fibers in seaweed could reduce the digestion of carbohydrates and fat. Regardless of these findings, seaweed pills should not be taken to lose weight without your physician's knowledge.
History
National Products Insider reported on three studies showing positive weight loss results with seaweed supplements. Scientists at Newcastle University in England concluded that alginate, which is found in sea kelp, can reduce fat absorption as much as 75 percent. A Japanese review showed that brown seaweed could increase the oxidation of fat and the production of mitochondrial energy, promoting weight loss. Also, an additional randomized study showing women who were given brown seaweed extract lost an average of 6 lbs. when taking it for two months.
Mechanism
The United Kingdom newspaper Daily Mail explains that seaweed pills work by tricking the brain into believing the stomach is full. Pills are taken at least 30 minutes before meals so it has time to expand in the stomach and lessen the appetite. The Daily Mail compared the effect to that of the gastric balloon, a surgical implant used on obese patients. Seaweed pills, however, have no long-term effect as stomach acid breaks them down and the body flushes them out as waste.
Nutritional Value
While testing continues to decide if seaweed pills can help you lose weight, there are still some nutritional benefits to seaweed. According to Self Nutritional Data, it is very low in calories with only four in two tablespoons. A seaweed serving that size has no fat, sugar or cholesterol and only one carb. It is also considered a good source of Vitamin A, C, E and K, Riboflavin, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Cooper, Magnesium, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Manganese. The only negative in consuming seaweed is that it is high in sodium.
Considerations
Medline Plus, a sub-division of the National Institutes of Health and National Library of Medicine, cautions against taking seaweed pills when you are on medication for hypothyroidism. Since seaweed like bladderwrack contains a significant amount of iodine, it can affect thyroid levels. In addition, the organization warns against mixing the supplement with some other medications, such as Methimazole, Plavix, Coumadin and even over the counter pills like aspirin and ibuprofen. Check with your pharmacist about interactions before buying seaweed pills.
Warning
Avoid seaweed supplements for a minimum of two weeks before surgery, as it may cause clotting problems, according to Medline Plus. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not take seaweed pills. Medline Plus also warns that some research has shown taking seaweed supplements like bladderwrack have difficulty becoming pregnant. Before taking any of these supplements, discuss benefits and risks with your doctor.
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