Bladderwrack Health Benefits

Bladderwrack is a brown seaweed that’s been used for centuries as a natural remedy to support thyroid function, hormonal balance, and overall health and well-being. 

Like most seaweeds, bladderwrack is highly nutritious and an incredibly rich source of iodine; unsurprisingly, bladderwrack supplements are becoming increasingly popular.

Let’s look at the many health benefits of bladderwrack!

What is bladderwrack?

Bladderwrack, also known as rockweed, is a type of seaweed commonly found in the intertidal zones of rocky ocean shores.

Like other seaweeds, bladderwrack is edible and remains a popular food source for many Asian coastal communities. It’s typically consumed in dried or powdered form and often used as a seasoning that can be added to a wide range of dishes.

Bladderwrack seaweed has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly as an herbal remedy for supporting thyroid health and promoting hormonal balance.

Because bladderwrack benefits health, it’s readily available as an herbal supplement in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, tinctures, and dried powder.

Bladderwrack health benefits

Bladderwrack ranks amongst the most nutritious seaweeds. It’s a rich source of iodine and dietary fiber and contains several bioactive compounds, including fucoidan, phlorotannin, and fucoxanthin.

Research published in Marine Drugs suggests that these health-promoting phytochemicals have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, explaining why bladderwrack has such impressive benefits for your health.¹

Here are seven health benefits of bladderwrack.

1. Supports thyroid health

Bladderwrack seaweed is an exceptional source of iodine, which promotes thyroid health and hormone balance. 

Iodine is a vital component of thyroid hormones, which play a key role in regulating energy production, growth, and overall metabolic activity.

A study published in Hormone Research in Pediatrics investigated the historical use of bladderwrack and reports that this natural iodine source has traditionally been used to support healthy thyroid hormone levels and overall metabolic balance.²

2. Aids weight management 

Adding bladderwrack extract to your health regimen may help with weight loss. 

Iodine has potential fat-burning effects linked to its ability to promote metabolic health and support thyroid hormone balance. 

“Thyroid hormones play a vital role in regulating cellular function and energy-making processes,” explains Dr.Berg. “Incorporating bladderwrack can be a natural way to enhance metabolic pathways linked to better weight management.” 

3. Promotes skin health 

Bladderwrack may help delay signs of premature aging and has been found to improve skin cell integrity and overall skin appearance.    

Evidence published in Marine Drugs confirms that fucoidan in bladderwrack helps stimulate collagen production, thereby promoting skin elasticity and hydration.³

4. Offers gut-soothing benefits 

Bladderwrack contains alginic acid, a natural polysaccharide that may help soothe the digestive tract and support healthy gut function.

It’s believed that alginic acid forms a gentle, protective layer around the lining of the digestive tract, which can help maintain comfort after meals and promote smooth digestion. 

5. Enhances fluid balance  

Bladderwrack has mild diuretic properties, thereby stimulating the production of urine.

Increased urine output flushes out excessive fluids, which promotes healthy blood pressure regulation and helps minimize water retention and bloating.

6. Supports digestive health 

Dietary bladderwrack has been used to promote regular bowel movement for centuries.

It’s high in dietary fiber and contains alginic acid, which promotes gastrointestinal health and stimulates gut motility.

Consuming bladderwrack also supports the beneficial bacteria in your gut and promotes a diverse microflora. This may explain why bladderwrack is widely valued for helping maintain overall digestive balance and gut comfort. 

7. Supports cellular health   

Bladderwrack is a particularly rich source of health-promoting organic compounds, including fucoidan, phlorotannin, and fucoxanthin. 

These phytochemicals have been linked to potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect cells from oxidative stress and support overall cellular balance.

Possible side effects of bladderwrack

Eating moderate amounts of bladderwrack is generally considered safe. However, overeating bladderwrack or taking large doses of bladderwrack supplements can have side effects.

Here are some of the potential health risks of taking bladderwrack.

Drug interactions 

It’s best to discuss bladderwrack use with your doctor if you are taking thyroid medication or blood-thinning drugs. 

The concentrated amounts of iodine in bladderwrack can interact with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which can worsen certain thyroid problems and lead to thyroid dysfunction.

In addition, certain compounds in bladderwrack can slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding, particularly in people who take blood-thinners such as warfarin.  

Allergic reactions 

People with an iodine allergy shouldn’t consume iodine-rich seaweed or take seaweed supplements, including bladderwrack products. 

Heavy metal contamination

Like many other seaweeds, bladderwrack can accumulate contaminants and heavy metals from the water in which it grows. 

Heavy metals, including cadmium and mercury, can harm your health, making it important to choose bladderwrack grown and harvested in a controlled environment that limits heavy metal exposure. 

How much bladderwrack can you take each day?

As a food source, bladderwrack is generally safe in moderate amounts. 

If you want to take a bladderwrack supplement, the recommended dosage may vary depending on the supplement’s intended use and exact formulation. A typical recommended dosage of bladderwrack ranges between 100 and 500 mg per day. 

Bladderwrack tea has become a popular alternative to supplements and is made by steeping dried or fresh bladderwrack in hot water. 

To avoid excessive intake of iodine, it’s best to consume no more than two cups of bladderwrack tea daily. 

FAQ

Sources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30060505/ ?
2. https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/526621 ?
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6780838/ ?