Overview

Dulse is a type of seaweed. It is used as food in Ireland and Eastern parts of Canada. Dulse contains iodine, an element that the body needs to make thyroid hormones. It is also a rich source of potassium. Some people use dulse as medicine.

Dulse is used for high cholesterol and prevention of iodine deficiency, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.

Don't confuse dulse with Ascophyllum Nodosum, Algin, Blue-green Algae, Ecklonia Cava, and Laminaria.

How does it work ?

Dulse contains the minerals iodine and potassium. It also contains protein, fiber, and other chemicals. Some of these chemicals can reduce inflammation (swelling).

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • High cholesterol. Early research shows that taking dulse does not seem to reduce cholesterol levels.
  • Preventing iodine deficiency.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate dulse for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Dulse is LIKELY SAFE when it is consumed in amounts found in food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if dulse is safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Dulse is POSSIBLY SAFE when it is applied to the skin.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Dulse is LIKELY SAFE when it is consumed in amounts found in food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if dulse is safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Dulse is POSSIBLY SAFE when it is applied to the skin. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if dulse is safe to use as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Kidney problems: Dulse might cause dangerously high potassium levels. Don't take dulse if you have kidney problems.

Thyroid problems: Dulse contains large amounts of iodine. This might make thyroid problems worse. Don't take dulse if you have thyroid problems.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with DULSE

    Dulse contains large amounts of potassium. Large amounts of potassium can increase the effects and side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin). Talk to your healthcare provider if you take digoxin.

  • Thyroid hormone interacts with DULSE

    The body naturally produces thyroid hormones. Dulse might increase how much thyroid hormone the body produces. Taking dulse along with thyroid hormone pills might increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormones.

    Some thyroid hormones include levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid), liothyronine sodium (Cytomel), desiccated thyroid (Armor Thyroid), and others.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) interacts with DULSE

    Dulse contains large amounts of potassium. Some medications for high blood pressure can increase potassium levels in the blood. Taking dulse along with some medications for high blood pressure might cause too much potassium in the blood.

    Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) interacts with DULSE

    Dulse contains large amounts of potassium. Some medications for high blood pressure can increase potassium levels in the blood. Taking dulse along with some medications for high blood pressure might cause too much potassium in the blood.

    Some medications for high blood pressure include losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), irbesartan (Avapro), candesartan (Atacand), telmisartan (Micardis), eprosartan (Teveten), and others.

  • Water pills (Potassium-sparing diuretics) interacts with DULSE

    Dulse contains large amounts of potassium. Some "water pills" can also increase potassium levels in the body. Taking some "water pills" along with dulse might cause potassium levels to become too high.

    Some "water pills" that increase potassium in the body include amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), triamterene (Dyrenium), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of dulse 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 dulse. 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.