Rich in minerals and fiber, seaweed is a nutritious vegetable with a number of purported health benefits. Along with adding a distinctive salty flavor to your dishes, seaweed has a long history of use as a healing aid in Asia, ancient Rome, Scotland and other countries. Yet despite its nutritional perks, seaweed may have some drawbacks and drug interactions for certain people.
Thyroid Problems
Seaweed may interfere with your thyroid function, worsening thyroid disease or causing goiter in susceptible individuals. The American Cancer Society says that excessive iodine, a mineral abundant in most seaweeds, can exacerbate hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism in people who already have these conditions. In addition, for people with impaired thyroid function, large amounts of iodine from seaweed can cause growths on the thyroid called goiters.
Heavy Metals
Seaweeds grown in polluted waters may accumulate heavy metals and other harmful toxins. According to a study published in the April 2007 issue of "Environmental Health Perspective," eight of nine seaweed samples taken from health food stores had concentrations of arsenic exceeding the Food and Drug Administration's allowable limit. In the study's main subject, heavy metal toxicity from kelp supplements caused rashes, fatigue, alopecia, memory loss, nausea and vomiting.
Allergic Reactions
In rare cases, seaweeds may be dangerous for people with fish or iodine allergies. According to AllergicChild.com, the high levels of iodine in seaweed can trigger serious allergic reactions in people sensitive to this element. If you're allergic to fish or shellfish, consult your physician to find out whether you react to protein in seafood or iodine. If iodine is the trigger for your allergic reaction, avoid consuming seafood.
Drug Interactions
Seaweeds can interfere with certain drugs, particularly anti-thyroid and anti-coagulant medications, according to National Institutes of Health online medical encyclopedia Medline Plus. If you consume high-iodine seaweeds while taking drugs for an overactive thyroid, such as methenamine mandelate, potassium iodide or methimazole, the seaweed may suppress your thyroid function to an unhealthy degree. In addition, some seaweeds such as bladderwrack have a blood-thinning effect and can interact with anti-coagulant or anti-platelet drugs that slow blood clotting. Such drugs include aspirin, naproxen, dalteparin, warfarin, haparin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and enoxaparin. If you take thyroid medications or blood thinners, consult your physician before making seaweed a part of your diet.
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