Overview

Algin is a type of carbohydrate found in brown seaweeds. It is also made by some bacteria. Algin is used as a food additive. It is also used to make certain health products such as tablets, lozenges, and peel-off facial masks. Algin is also as a medicine.

People use algin to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and to reduce the amount of heavy chemicals that are taken up by the body, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work ?

Algin forms a gel that may lower cholesterol levels by reducing the amount of cholesterol entering the body.

Algin forms a gel that may lower cholesterol levels by reducing the amount of cholesterol entering the body.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Lowering cholesterol.
  • Lowering blood pressure.
  • Decreasing the amount of the certain heavy chemicals taken up (absorbed) by the body.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of algin for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Algin is LIKELY SAFE when used in food amounts. The safety of larger medicinal amounts is unknown.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Algin is LIKELY SAFE when used in food amounts. The safety of larger medicinal amounts is unknown. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if algin is safe to use in medicinal amounts when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs) interacts with ALGIN

    Algin can form a thick gel. Algin can stick to medications in the stomach and intestines. Taking algin at the same time as medications that you take by mouth can affect how much medication your body absorbs. To prevent this interaction, take algin 30-60 minutes after medications you take by mouth.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of algin depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for algin. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.