Fucus vesiculosus is a type of seaweed commonly known as bladderwrack. This plant is used in alternative medicine to treat a wide range of health conditions. You can add fucus vesiculosus to salads and casseroles or take it as a supplement in capsule, tablet or extract form. Harmful effects are possible if people consume large amounts of fucus vesiculosus.
High Iodine Effects
Some harmful effects from fucus vesiculosus apparently are due to the high iodine content, as explained by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Iodine may cause unpleasant aftertaste, increased salivation and upset stomach. The high iodine levels in fucus vesiculosus also can lead to thyroid disorders and may interfere with the action of drugs used for thyroid conditions. Acne may develop, and a person with acne may experience worsening of his skin problems, also attributed to high iodine content.
Heavy Metal Contamination
Fucus vesiculosus may be contaminated with arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury. Reports of kidney and nerve damage associated with this seaweed appear related to heavy metal contamination, according to the NIH. Children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with kidney disease should not consume fucus vesiculosus because heavy metals may be particularly risky for them.
Abnormal Bleeding
Heavy metal contamination of fucus vesiculosus may cause lowered platelet levels resulting in abnormal bleeding. Additionally, fucus vesiculosus itself may have blood-thinning properties. People may not be able to safely consume fucus vesiculosus if they are using anticoagulant medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or Ginkgo biloba, all of which can cause increased bleeding.
Contraindications
Fucus vesiculosus extract may reduce blood sugar. People with diabetes or hypoglycemia should be cautious about consuming this plant, as should anyone taking medications or supplements that affect blood sugar. Fucus vesiculosus also acts as an estrogenic receptor modulator, as noted by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, so patients with hormonal cancers such as breast or prostate cancer may not be able to consume this plant safely. Additionally, fucus vesiculosus may increase the effects of drugs used to reduce cholesterol and lower high blood pressure.
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