Losing Weight With Bladderwrack

Weight loss is something that many people struggle with within their daily life. To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you take in. Supplements promise to speed that up, and bladderwrack is one of them.

Fucus vesiculosus, also known as bladderwrack, is a brown seaweed found on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. It is rich in iodine and is sold in capsules, powders, teas, creams and gels.

Despite the marketing, there is no good evidence that bladderwrack helps you lose weight. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center says claims that it treats obesity are not supported, and human data are quite limited.

Bladderwrack and its Benefits for Weight loss.

Have you ever wondered whether bladderwrack can help you lose weight? What does bladderwrack do for weight loss? The honest answer is: probably very little. It's a seaweed that people use as a folk remedy, and it's sold as tablets too.

Sellers claim it stimulates the thyroid gland to treat obesity and cellulite. There is no evidence to support this.
Claims that it boosts metabolism have not been shown in people.
Bladderwrack is a rich source of iodine, which the thyroid uses to make hormones. But extra iodine does not speed up a normal thyroid, and too much iodine can cause thyroid problems. Bladderwrack also contains fucoxanthin, a pigment studied in labs and animals, but it has not been shown to cause meaningful weight loss in people.
The thyroid gland regulates your metabolism. When you don't make enough thyroid hormone, as in hypothyroidism, your body slows down and you may gain weight. Iodine only helps if the cause is iodine deficiency, which is uncommon where salt is iodized. Talk to your doctor before using bladderwrack for this, since excess iodine can also cause or worsen thyroid disease.
Bladderwrack has traditionally been used for thyroid conditions, such as:

Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), myxedema (underactive thyroid), and iodine deficiency. It has also been promoted for obesity, arthritis, joint pain, “hardening of the arteries” (arteriosclerosis), digestive problems, heartburn, “blood cleansing,” constipation, bronchitis, emphysema, urinary tract diseases, and anxiety. None of these uses is backed by good clinical evidence.

Other claimed uses include:

Strengthening the immune system and improving energy (not proven).
Some people apply bladderwrack to the skin for skin disorders, burns, aging skin and bug bites. A small study suggests a topical extract may improve skin elasticity, but more research is needed.
Helping compensate for iodine deficiency, though dosing is unclear and it has not been tested in clinical trials.
Bladderwrack contains minerals and antioxidants such as phlorotannins and fucoxanthin.
Antioxidant and anti-tumor effects have been seen in lab studies only. They have not been shown in people.

How much weight can you lose on Bladderwrack?

There is no reliable figure, because studies have not shown that bladderwrack causes weight loss. In medicines and supplement blends, Bladderwrack is often added to products marketed for weight loss, but that does not mean it works.

An old rule of thumb says a pound of fat is about 3,500 calories. Real weight loss is less predictable, but a calorie deficit from diet and exercise is still what drives it.

The secret to losing weight is to burn more calories than you take in. A healthy pace is about 1 to 2 pounds a week, according to the CDC.

This is best accomplished by combining nutrition and exercise. Bladderwrack is one of many supplements people try to speed this up, but research does not support its claimed weight-loss benefits.

Bladderwrack tablets for weight loss and their use

Bladderwrack tablets are sold for weight loss, but there is no evidence they help. They are sold over the counter as dietary supplements, which the FDA does not approve for safety or effectiveness before sale.

Bladderwrack comes in tablets, capsules, powders and teas. Because of a lack of research, there is no standard or proven dosage. Iodine content can vary widely between products, which makes it easy to get too much. Talk to your doctor before taking it.

Some people mix the powder into tea or smoothies.

Brown seaweed extracts are often sold as “weight-loss diet adjuvants.”

These products may combine brown seaweed with other plant extracts marketed for “fluid drainage,” such as white birch, asparagus or goldenrod. Losing water weight is not the same as losing fat.

Products and ways you can use Bladderwrack

Bladderwrack shows up in herbal products, creams, gels, pills and even bath products. Creams and gels are applied to the skin, while pills are taken by mouth.

Bladderwrack is promoted for skin care, thyroid disorders, joint pain, digestive problems and anxiety, but these uses are not proven. Its slimming effect is also unproven, and taking it by mouth carries real risks from iodine and contaminants.

Bladderwrack is utilized as a natural supplement that is marketed as a complement to low-calorie diets, and in cosmetics (creams, gels or bubble baths) sold to fight cellulite. Its main appeal in herbal medicine is its high iodine content. Brown seaweeds also contain alginic acid, a fiber used as a thickener in foods, cosmetics and medicines.

Side effects of Bladderwrack

Bladderwrack is not risk-free. The main concerns are too much iodine, which can affect the thyroid, and contamination with heavy metals. Taking it by mouth is riskier than using it on the skin.

The main potential problems are thyroid dysfunction, heavy metal contamination and, in some people, acne linked to iodine.
Too much iodine can cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, depending on the person.
Bladderwrack harvested from polluted water may contain heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium and mercury, which can damage the kidneys. You usually can't tell where a supplement's seaweed was harvested.
Applying bladderwrack to open wounds and cuts is not a good idea.
It is not considered safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Avoid bladderwrack if you take thyroid medicine or have thyroid disease, unless your doctor approves it.
Take extra precautions if you have a bleeding disorder or diabetes, and ask your doctor about interactions with any medicines you take.
Avoid it if you are sensitive or allergic to iodine.
Supplements can contain high and unpredictable levels of iodine, salt and heavy metals.

Bladderwrack has a long history as a folk remedy. But there is no good evidence that it treats obesity, urinary tract infections or skin problems. If you want to try it anyway, talk to your doctor first.

Conclusion

Bladderwrack is a seaweed sold in many natural products, but it is not a proven weight loss aid. Claims that it boosts energy or immunity are also unproven.

It is promoted for arthritis, thyroid problems, obesity, constipation, iodine deficiency and other conditions. It is also applied to the skin for aging, bug bites, burns, and skin disorders. However, there is little evidence to support the use of Bladderwrack for therapeutic purposes.

Traditionally, it has been marketed for slimming and weight loss. But research has not shown that it works.

If you are considering it, talk to a doctor first, especially if you have thyroid disease, are pregnant or take medication. A steady calorie deficit, regular exercise and good sleep remain the proven path to weight loss.

Sources

Bladder wrack, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Steps for Losing Weight, CDC
The Truth Behind Weight Loss Ads, FTC