In his classic 1870 science fiction novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, French writer Jules Verne described an underwater forest of epic proportions and incredible beauty, where algae grew as tall as trees.
The writer spoke about kelp... Some specimens have very high growth rates, and individual species can reach up to 30-80 meters in length!
Kelp is a species of brown seaweed that is part of the order/order Laminariales. Kelp supplements typically contain seaweeds native to the North Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean(Laminaria hyperborea, Laminaria digitata, Laminaria setchelli, Macrocytis integrifolia, Macrocystis pyrifera), on the northwestern coast of Europe and the northeastern coast of the USA (Ascophyllum).
Kelp and other edible seaweeds such as kombu and nori are commonly eaten in countries such as China, Korea and Japan as "sea vegetables" and are a staple of traditional Asian cuisine.
On the left is kelp powder, on the right is spirulina powder.
Why Kelp seaweed is beneficial: unique composition and properties
- Kelp is considered one of the best natural sources of organic iodine.
- In addition, it contains a large amount of useful substances (iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, vitamins A, B-12, B-6, etc.).
- Kelp is also high in antioxidants, including carotenoids, flavonoids and alkaloids, which help fight free radicals and oxidative stress.
- Some studies have found that kelp may slow the spread of colon and breast cancer.
- A compound found in brown algae called fucoidan may also inhibit the spread of lung cancer and prostate cancer.
- IN last years The potential ability of kelp to block the absorption of fats in the intestines due to its content of a natural fiber called alginate is being studied.
Can KELP be dangerous?
Kelp supplements come in capsule, tablet, or powder form. Due to differences in technological process, their manufacture and use different types algae, kelp supplements contain varying concentrations of iodine. The label clearly states the dosage of iodine per serving. But is she always like this? And do they always contain only beneficial nutrients?
It is known that kelp accumulates iodine and other useful material from sea water. But it should be remembered that sea water is quite rich in composition, and toxic elements such as arsenic, mercury, cadmium and lead can accumulate in seaweed.
Thus, Laminaria digitata is known to accumulate the highest amounts of iodine (Küpper Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2008). However, this seaweed (in a study of seaweed species collected in New England) also had the highest levels of arsenic (Taylor and Chemosphere, 2016).
Consequences of exposure to heavy metals on human health
Unfortunately, it is true that kelp can potentially be contaminated with arsenic (Amster, Environ Health Perspect 2007). However, neither the FDA nor any other federal or state agency tests the quality of dietary supplements before marketing. An independent laboratory that checks the quality of dietary supplements in the USA, ConsumerLab.com, decided to do this. She purchased and tested several kelp supplements to determine whether they contained the stated amounts of iodine (usually the only element listed on the label).
- When testing the supplements, three of the eight products were found to contain much more iodine than indicated on the label: from 177% to 207% of the stated amount.
- The capsules contained between 531 mcg and 964 mcg of iodine—levels that are considered very high (unless you're a native Japanese, for example) and well above the FDA's "safe" limits for kelp iodine in supplements.
- FDA regulations indicate that “brown seaweed may be safely added” to dietary supplements as a source of iodine as long as the daily serving does not contain more than 225 mcg of iodine.
For certain populations, the FDA specifies different values:
- For infants: 45 mcg,
- For children under 4 years of age: 105 mcg,
- For adults and children aged 4 years and over: 225 mcg,
- For pregnant or breastfeeding women: 300 mcg.
Excessive iodine intake (usually more than 1000 mcg daily) can cause disease thyroid gland(AIT, hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, cancer, iodism phenomena). In addition, one supplement was contaminated with arsenic. The inorganic form of arsenic is a carcinogen (causing cancer Bladder, lung and skin cancer and possibly liver, kidney and prostate cancer), and can also have detrimental effects on organs and the circulatory system.
What is better to take: iodine or Kelp
5 of the 8 kelp supplements selected and tested by ConsumerLab.com met its quality standards. The lab did not indicate which specific plant species or algae plant was safest.
Thus, taking a proven product containing potassium iodide rather than kelp is a safer choice because you are more likely to consume the exact amount of iodine indicated on the package and there is no chance of contamination from arsenic or other heavy metals.
The original preparation of potassium iodide has passed all possible checks and tests, therefore, as this medicine no doubt. Iodine supplements do not work clinical trials efficiency and safety. However, my view on taking kelp supplements is not entirely categorical. This is truly a super product containing a large amount important vitamins and minerals.
As long as you are confident that your kelp supplement is high quality, contains adequate amounts of iodine, and is not contaminated with heavy metals, I'm fine with it! But I still advise all pregnant and lactating women or small children to get iodine from proven preparations, and not from biological sources. active additives from algae. Incidentally, congenital hypothyroidism has been reported in infants born to mothers taking an herbal supplement high in iodine-containing brown algae (Stagi, Horm Res Paediatr 2010).
Conclusion: If you are an organic person and really want to get concentrated organic iodine from kelp preparations, look for certified organic products that have been tested for heavy metals and adequate iodine content. But first make sure that they are not contraindicated for you.
Review of KELP drugs from iHerb: what to choose ^
Do you want to know which kelp supplements are approved by the independent laboratory ConsumerLab (USA), and which have not passed quality control? The following iodine dietary supplements were tested (unfortunately, the list is not as large as we would like, and many popular dietary supplements from iHerb were not considered).
The following did not pass the test:
- Nature's Answer Kelp Thallus - contained 683.8 mcg of iodine instead of the stated 330 mcg per capsule (207.2% of the stated amount),
- Traditional Foods Market Kelp Powder - Contained 531 mcg of iodine instead of 300 mcg in the recommended daily serving (177% of the specified amount).
- Progressive Laboratories Kelp - Contained 964.2 mcg of iodine instead of the listed 500 mcg per capsule (192.8% of the listed amount). It was also contaminated with arsenic, with just over 5 micrograms of inorganic arsenic (the most toxic form) detected per capsule!
In addition, even the labeled amounts of iodine in these three supplements significantly exceed the FDA's "safe" limits for kelp iodine in supplements (no more than 225 mcg).
Passed quality check:
- Natural Factors Liquid Kelp (with reservation*),
- Nature's Life Icelandic Kelp,
- Solgar North Atlantic Kelp,
- Swanson Kelp,
- Vitamin World Sea Kelp,
- Puritan's Pride Premium Sea Kelp - upon analysis, the composition was similar to Vitamin World Sea Kelp.
Natural Factors Liquid Kelp has been tested, but contains too much iodine per serving: 800 mcg, which is well above the FDA's "safe" limit. This supplement also contained less arsenic than all other kelp supplements tested.
Kelp brown algae: reviews and instructions for use
The laboratory noted Swanson Kelp and Nature's Life Icelandic Kelp supplements, which had low and similar cost per tablet and provided 225 mcg of iodine per serving, which is the FDA's "safe" dose for adults and children over 4 years of age. However, Swanson was preferred because it "contained kelp extract to reduce the risk of potential arsenic contamination."
This is parsley, that is, brown algae. By the way, all manufacturers can change the ingredients and information on the label at any time. If the composition stated on the dietary supplement jar changes slightly, then this supplement may no longer necessarily have the same quality as those supplements that were tested. And in dosage form iodine in the form of proven, effective and safe potassium iodide you can always be sure.
What else to pay attention to when taking kelp: precautions and contraindications
- Consider other supplements, iodized salt, and iodine-fortified foods you consume. You may already be getting adequate amounts of iodine from your diet (150-250 mcg/day). Many vitamin and mineral supplements often already contain iodine (usually 150 mcg from potassium iodide).
- People taking blood thinners such as aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, ticlopidine, warfarin, etc. should consume brown seaweed with caution because kelp contains compounds called fucoidans, which have antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects (Zhao, Thromb Res 2012, Fitton, Mar Drugs 2015).
- Kelp supplements should be avoided if you have a shellfish allergy, as the kelp can absorb waste products from other marine life.
- A small number of women who took 3 550 mg kelp tablets daily for six weeks experienced an autoimmune reaction leading to abnormal bleeding, bruising and low blood platelet counts; symptoms resolved after treatment and discontinuation (Pye, Lancet 1992).
- The daily intake of organic iodine from kelp supplements is slightly higher than for potassium iodide (225 mcg versus 150 mcg), since its absorption in the intestine is slightly lower.
Analysis of canned kelp from Roskontrol ^
In 2017, Roskontrol experts checked the iodine content (and at the same time harmful components) in canned seaweed sold on the shelves of our stores). Information taken from the website roscontrol.com.
Canned food from 6 brands was subjected to examination:
- “Fur seal” (480 mcg of iodine per 100 g of product),
- "Sea Rainbow" (370 mcg),
- "5 seas" (290 mcg),
- "Dobroflot" (380 mcg),
- "Captain of Flavors" (380 mcg),
- "Bering" (300 mcg).
That is, to get a normal dose of iodine, it is enough to eat only about 50 grams of these canned foods per day. All safety indicators are within the standard. The majority of heavy metals were found in the Dobroflot cabbage, and polychlorinated biphenyls in the Bering sample, but their amounts are far from the maximum permissible values.
Roskontrol also checked whether there was enough seaweed in the jars (the norm is more than 50%). Only “Sea Rainbow” did not reach the coveted figure (only 48%). Less than 60% of cabbage in the products of the brands “5 Seas”, “Captain of Tastes”, “Bering”. The most generous are “Dobroflot” (89% of cabbage) and “Navy Seal” (76%).
Iodine - important trace element, necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which regulate the functioning of the body, and in particular nervous system, support normal temperature bodies.
Low levels of these hormones can negatively affect both physical state, and on human intellectual abilities.
The World Health Organization estimates that more than 800 million people suffer from iodine deficiency. In Russia, more than half of the territory is made up of regions with a natural deficiency of this element.
Kelp NSP: description and indications for use
Natural iodine in the complex compensates for the lack of this element in the amount of daily requirement. It also contains small amounts of macro- and microelements (iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, barium, potassium, sulfur, etc.)
Properties:
- affects contractility heart muscle
- prevents the development of rickets, osteoporosis, caries, brittle nails and hair
- has a general strengthening effect
Can be taken for diseases of the thyroid gland, atherosclerosis, coronary disease hearts. The drug contains two types of brown algae:
- Ascophyllum nodosum(Ascophyllum nodosum) - an algae from the Fucus family, lives in the northern seas, forms a symbiosis with fungi.
- Laminaria, or seaweed,(Laminaria digitata) - brown, edible algae.
The complex also contains soluble dietary fiber (alginates).
Instructions for use
Adults take 1 capsule daily with food. Duration of treatment - 1 month. After 2-3 months, the dose can be repeated.
Contraindications: individual intolerance to components, conditions for which iodine preparations are contraindicated, pregnancy, breastfeeding.
Store in a cool dry place.
Excipients: Magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, gelatin.
Purchase information. The prices on the website are for reference only. NSP products can be purchased independently at any official NSP store, the list of stores is located
Kelp is a dietary supplement, an additional source of iodine and soluble dietary fiber.
Active substance
Brown algae powder (ascophyllum and kelp).
Release form and composition
The drug is produced in the form of capsules, which are packaged in bottles of 100 pcs.
Capsule composition: brown algae powder (ascophyllum and kelp).
Indications for use
- mastopathy and sluggish inflammatory processes, associated primarily with the female genital area;
- thyroid diseases;
- cardiac ischemia;
- atherosclerosis;
- diabetes and obesity;
- diseases of the genitourinary system;
- the presence of tumors and cysts;
- bronchitis, asthma, ulcers, emphysema, colitis, constipation;
- Problems reproductive system in women and men;
- irritability, rapid heartbeat, depression;
- swollen lymph nodes;
- chronic fatigue;
- intolerance to cold and damp weather;
- frequent colds and constantly cold extremities;
- prevention of ovarian and breast cancer;
- prevention of the development of osteoporosis, arthritis, brittle nails and hair, dental caries;
- as part of weight loss programs.
Contraindications
Kelp should not be taken for conditions and diseases for which iodine preparations are not recommended, as well as in case of increased individual sensitivity to its components.
Instructions for use of Kelp (method and dosage)
If necessary, the course is repeated after 2 - 3 months.
Side effects
Patients with congenital hypersensitivity to iodine may experience side effects drugs similar to those observed with an excess of iodine in the body: runny nose, lacrimation, cough, increased salivation, puffiness and swelling salivary glands, skin lesions. Kelp capsules
Also to side effects refers to swelling of the larynx or bronchi, which can lead to suffocation and cause anaphylactic shock.
Overdose
Information is absent.
Analogs
No data.
Do not decide to change the drug on your own; consult your doctor.
pharmachologic effect
The basis of Kelp is brown algae extract, which is a valuable source of essential amino acids and 12 vitamins (A, C, B1, B2, E, D, etc.). It also contains vital necessary for the body human micro- and macroelements (calcium, iron, sodium, barium, phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, potassium and many others) in the most accessible form for absorption.
Regular use of the drug ensures the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, helps restore metabolism, improve immunity, memory and mental activity, as well as the condition of teeth, skin, hair and the nervous system.
Brown algae contains salts of alginic acid, whose properties resemble pectin. This substance binds heavy metals, radionuclides, toxins and removes them from the body.
Kelp can prevent the appearance malignant tumors, rejuvenate a person and prolong his life. The polysaccharides contained in brown algae normalize fat and cholesterol metabolism, preventing the development of vascular sclerosis.
The dietary supplement Kelp is incredibly beneficial for a woman’s health, since reproductive dysfunction and breast diseases are often associated with iodine deficiency in the body. Phytoestrogens and iodine contained in kelp regulate a woman’s hormonal levels, preventing general decline of the body and reducing the adverse effects of menopause. The antioxidant effect of brown algae allows the drug to be used for prevention oncological diseases. In addition, this algae contains trace elements such as molybdenum and cobalt, which help optimize reproductive function not only in women, but also in men.
special instructions
Before starting to take Kelp, as well as in cases of development of uncharacteristic symptoms, you should consult your doctor.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding
The drug should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation.
In childhood
Information is absent.
Drug interactions
Like other iodine preparations, Kelp is incompatible with ammonia, ichthyol, mercuric amidochloride and essential oils.
Kelp (brown seaweed) has been consumed in large quantities in Asian countries for a long time. Relatively recently, the benefits of this “sea vegetable” were finally learned in Europe and America.
Numerous studies show that eating seaweed has a positive effect on health. One compelling piece of evidence is the fact that Japanese women whose diets are rich kelp, are much less likely to suffer from breast cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cancer, etc.
Since seaweed is eaten raw, there are few people willing to try this delicacy. Therefore, kelp supplements are becoming popular among those who are not fans of seafood.
Main advantages of Kelp:
Source of vitamins and minerals. Kelp contains 46 minerals, 11 vitamins and 16 amino acids. A special place in the composition is occupied by: iodine, iron, potassium, phosphorus and calcium.
Thyroid health support. Since brown algae is rich in iodine, eating it certainly has a positive effect on thyroid gland, which regulates the hormonal system of our body.
Normalizes metabolism, helps with weight correction. Iodine deficiency can slow metabolism by up to 50%, so taking kelp supplements improves metabolism, thereby promoting natural process losing weight.
Cancer prevention. In particular, estrogen-sensitive forms of cancer: breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer.
Antioxidant activity.
Anti-inflammatory properties.
Immunostimulating effect.
Side effects from taking Kelp They are very rare and are usually caused by an overdose. Therefore, carefully read the method of using the supplement. As a rule, the main signs of overdose are skin rashes, bad taste in the mouth, runny nose.
Contraindications:
Individual intolerance to the component. Avoid overdose.
Mode of application:
1 tablet once daily with food.
Storage conditions:
Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature.
Certificates:
The action of Kelp is due to the properties active component– brown algae, which have long been used in oriental medicine for the treatment of diseases genitourinary organs, goiter, bronchitis, obesity and tumors. The algae contains iodine, which is an essential trace element for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which control the functioning and development of the brain and nervous system. Hormonal disorders negatively affect both physical and intellectual abilities of a person.
Video: iHerb! Review of useful vitamins Spirulina, Kelp, Cordyceps, Chondroitin, Quercetin
In Japan thanks high consumption iodine, thyroid diseases are extremely rare. Iodine deficiency can be one of the causes of progressive visual and hearing impairment, increased physical fatigue, and inability to concentrate for long periods of time.
Also, as a result of research, a connection was established between taking iodine-containing Kelp supplements and reducing muscle spasms, especially in calf muscles. Also, a number of observations indicate the effectiveness of taking iodine-containing supplements against the background of spasms gastrointestinal tract after repeat laparotomy.
4 Kelp capsules contain the doctor-recommended daily dose Yoda. The dietary supplement also includes 12 natural vitamins, essential amino acids, macro- and microelements in the most accessible form for absorption (iron, potassium, iodine, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, barium, magnesium, sulfur and others). The complex of these substances not only allows you to avoid the development of diseases caused by iodine deficiency, but also promotes detoxification, lowering cholesterol in the blood, preventing the development of osteoporosis, and improving the condition of hair and nails.
- Normal functioning of the thyroid gland;
- Improved metabolism;
- Stimulating the immune system.
Composition and release form of Kelpa
Kelp is produced in the form of capsules of 530 mg containing brown algae powder and auxiliary components. In bottles of 100 capsules.
Indications for use of Kelp
Kelp, according to the instructions, should be taken as an additional source of iodine against the background of:
Video: My first result of using NSP.Kelp products
- Circulatory disorders;
- Poisoning with salts of heavy metals;
- Symptoms of dementia in children.
Contraindications
Kelp is not prescribed for hypersensitivity, lactating and pregnant women (due to a lack of clinical data on the safety of the biocomplex).
How to use Kelp
Kelp, according to the instructions, should be taken with food, 1 capsule three times a day. Duration of treatment – 1 month. The course can be repeated after 2-3 months. Before using Kelp, according to reviews, you should consult your doctor to clarify the regimen for taking the biocomplex.
Side effects
Kelp, according to reviews, in most cases is well tolerated without causing complications.
Kelp drug interactions
Storage conditions
Kelp, according to the instructions, is one of the over-the-counter dietary supplements. The shelf life of the capsules is 3 years, provided they are stored taking into account the manufacturer’s recommendations.
