Overview

Ascophyllum nodosum is a type of brown seaweed. It is found along the shorelines in cold areas of the world, such as Northern Canada and Iceland.

Ascophyllum nodosum is now protected in many countries because of over-harvesting for a chemical called alginate. It also contains nutrients such as carbohydrates, iodine, and fatty acids such as oleic acid.

People use Ascophyllum nodosum for tooth plaque, gum disease, iodine deficiency, weight loss, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse Ascophyllum nodosum with other types of seaweed, such as blue-green algae, dulse, Ecklonia cava, Fucus vesiculosus, laminaria, or sea moss. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Ascophyllum nodosum is possibly safe when used for up to 6 months. It's usually well-tolerated. But seaweeds such as Ascophyllum nodosum can accumulate high levels of heavy metals such as arsenic. Purchasing a product that is certified as being free of heavy metals can reduce the risk of heavy metal exposure.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Ascophyllum nodosum is possibly safe when used for up to 6 months. It's usually well-tolerated. But seaweeds such as Ascophyllum nodosum can accumulate high levels of heavy metals such as arsenic. Purchasing a product that is certified as being free of heavy metals can reduce the risk of heavy metal exposure.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Ascophyllum nodosum is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Thyroid disorders: Ascophyllum nodosum contains iodine. Long-term use or high doses of iodine might make certain thyroid disorders worse. Also, people with autoimmune thyroid disease might be especially sensitive to the harmful effects of iodine.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Amiodarone (Cordarone) interacts with ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM

    Ascophyllum nodosum and amiodarone both contain iodine. Taking Ascophyllum nodosum with amiodarone might increase the levels of iodine in the blood. Too much iodine in the blood can cause side effects that affect the thyroid.

  • Medications for an overactive thyroid (antithyroid drugs) interacts with ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM

    Ascophyllum nodosum contains iodine. Iodine can increase or decrease thyroid function. Taking Ascophyllum nodosum along with medications for an overactive thyroid might change the effects of these medications.

  • Thyroid hormone interacts with ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM

    Ascophyllum nodosum contains iodine. Iodine can increase or decrease thyroid function. Taking Ascophyllum nodosum along with thyroid hormone medications might increase the effects of these medications.

Dosing

Ascophyllum nodosum has most often been used by adults as a dried powder at doses of 500 mg by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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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.