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Bladderwrack, also known as Fucus vesiculosus, is a type of marine plant or brown seaweed that grows on the shorelines of many northern seas. Its also rich natural constituents of iodine, other minerals, and vitamins are highly appreciated.
Also, bladderwrack is also commonly suggested as a dietary supplement to support a healthy thyroid function, promote weight loss, increase energy and stamina levels and regulate metabolism [1].
Moreover, bladderwrack has a high demand amongst consumers, many companies have taken the challenge to encapsulate bladderwrack into supplements without losing most of its nutrients.
Let’s discuss the list of top 5 bladderwrack supplements you can get in the market today compiled based on quality, cost, and effectiveness.
Quick Summary:
Best For Vegetarians: Nature’s Way Bladderwrack with Iodine
For Easy Consumption: Khroma Organic Bladderwrack
Best For Iodine Support: Life Extension Sea Iodine
| Product Name | Bladderwrack Content (mg) | Iodine Content (ug) | Price / Amount | Directions Of Use |
| Oregon’s Wild Harvest | 600 | N/A | ~$12/90 capsules | Take one capsule daily |
| Khroma Organic Bladderwrack | N/A | N/A | ~$19/30 drops | Take 3 droppers full by mouth daily with food or on an empty stomach |
| Nature’s Way Bladderwrack with Iodine | 580 | 150 | ~$8/100 capsules | Take one capsule daily |
| Solaray’s Bladderwrack | 580 | N/A | ~$11/100 capsules | Take one capsule daily with a meal or glass of water |
| Life Extension Sea Iodine | N/A | 1000 | ~$6/60 capsules | Take one capsule daily |
5 Best Bladderwrack Supplements (2023)
Oregon’s Wild Harvest Bladderwrack Organic
PRICE / NUMBER OF CAPSULE:
~$12/90
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
Take one capsule daily
Pros
- No artificial flavors, colors, excipients, or stearates
- Has verified non-GMO ingredients and gluten-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for vegetarians as capsules are made of gelatin (bovine).
Oregon’s Wild Harvest is also known to take the organic standards of its products very seriously. Therefore, Oregon’s Wild Harvest Bladderwrack Organic is carefully tested for the presence of contaminants, heavy metals, herbicides, or microbes. This product also doesn’t contain any allergens, such as peanuts, soy, or corn.
Even without any additives for improved flavor, this product is rated 5-stars for taste by customers. Though the exact amounts aren’t specified, these vegan capsules contain naturally-occurring iodine to promote normal thyroid function. Users have also noted that the supplements have helped to boost their energy levels and mood.
Khroma Organic Bladderwrack
PRICE / NUMBER OF CAPSULE:
~$19/30 drops
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
Take 3 droppers full by mouth daily with food or on an empty stomach
Pros
- 100% organic, gluten-free and vegan
- Manufactured in an FDA-registered facility in Ogden, Utah
- Many reviews on palatable taste
Cons
- A more expensive choice of bladderwrack supplement
The liquid formulation of this bladderwrack supplement also allows quick absorption into the body system. The palatable flavor and scent of the drops are also advantageous for people who find swallowing capsules difficult. Khroma Organic Bladderwrack is also alcohol and additives-free.
Apart from iodine, this product also contains substantial traces of other minerals and essential vitamins such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc, and vitamins A and C. Therefore, this supplement could help with other health concerns related to inflammation, skin health, or your immune system function, too.
Nature’s Way Bladderwrack with Iodine
PRICE / NUMBER OF CAPSULE:
~$8/100 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
Take one capsule daily
Pros
- Suitable for vegetarians (even the capsules are plant-derived)
- Gluten-free
- Free of artificial coloring, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
- Contains allergens such as fish, crustacean, and sulphite
The whole thallus or the main stem of bladderwrack is also used to make these bladderwrack capsules. Therefore, a higher concentration of naturally-occurring iodine can be found in this product. This product also has non-GMO certifications.
However, there’s no information on the presence of magnesium stearate or vegetable stearate. Nevertheless, Nature’s Way Bladderwrack supplement is independently tested by a third party to certify authenticity, purity, and safety. So you can be assured there are no potentially harmful substances in this product.
Solaray’s Bladderwrack
PRICE / NUMBER OF CAPSULE:
~$11/100 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
Take one capsule daily with a meal or glass of water
Pros
- Doesn’t contain added iron that may cause constipation for some people
- Packaged in eco-friendly Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) resin bottles
- Does not contain wheat or dairy
Cons
- Contains 3 ppm of lead or less according to U.S. Pharmacopeia Guidelines
Solaray’s Bladderwrack also comes in vegetable cellulose capsules (~1 inch in size) that are easy to swallow for adults of all ages. Moreover, their bladderwracks are ethically sourced from various parts of the world, namely from the coast of the northern Atlantic ocean.
In addition, the highlight of Solaray is that it’s a brand that consciously makes an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. Its products are also packaged in resin bottles made of plastic saved from oceans or landfills. Furthermore, they have partnered with One Tree Planted with an initiative to plant one million trees.
Life Extension Sea Iodine
PRICE / NUMBER OF CAPSULE:
~$6/60 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
Take one capsule daily
Pros
- Small and easy-to-swallow capsules (smaller than 1 inch)
- Non-GMO and Vegetarian
Cons
- Some complaints of side effects such as burning of the mouth, stomach pain, and coma due to high iodine content.
The iodine content in this product is also sourced from kelp, bladderwrack extracts, and potassium iodide. Although these are seaweed vegetables and plant sources, Life Extension Sea Iodine does not have high salt content. So you wouldn’t have to worry about alarmingly high sodium levels while taking these capsules.
Also, the iodine amounts in this product are sufficient to fulfill an adult’s daily requirements. Moreover, there are multiple positive reviews on Life Extension Sea Iodine helping people with hypothyroidism to live more energetically.
FAQ: Bladderwrack Supplements
What does bladderwrack do to the body?
Bladderwrack is a natural source of many trace minerals, but mainly iodine. Iodine is an essential element necessary for producing thyroid hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and levothyroxine (T4). Moreover, regular bladderwrack consumption also stimulates the thyroid gland to prevent thyroid disorders and associated complications [1].
However, excess intake of iodine from bladderwrack supplements may cause side effects such as:
- Acne breakouts
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Shakiness
- Rash
When should you take bladderwrack supplements?
Also, there’s no “ideal” time to consume bladderwrack supplements. Furthermore, dietary supplements are also generally best consumed in the morning with or without food.
How much bladderwrack should I take daily?
Like many other herbal supplements, research and clinical trials on the effectiveness of bladderwrack are still limited. Also, 500mg of basic bladderwrack extract is deemed bioactive for humans. Studies have noted doses of bladderwrack ranging from 400 to 700mg daily with no severe side effects reported [2].
Who should avoid bladderwrack?
Bladderwrack is not suitable for everyone. Moreover, bladderwrack nutritional supplements are unsuitable and unsafe for:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with an allergy to seaweed or iodine
- Individuals living with hyperthyroidism
- People taking anticoagulants (i.e. warfarin)
In short, it’s always the best practice to consult a healthcare professional about consuming bladderwrack supplements before starting to consume them.
What is the difference between sea moss and bladderwrack?
Sea moss and bladderwrack are two different types of seaweeds. In addition, sea moss is red in color, and it commonly grows in tidepools or rocky coasts. On the other hand, bladderwrack is a brown algae that grows along coasts.
Though both seaweeds consist of extraordinary nutrient composition, bladderwrack has a comparatively better source of iodine. Furthermore, sea moss has greater levels of calcium to also support healthy bone function and naturally-occurring iron to promote healthy skin [3].
That being so, sea moss and bladderwrack are often recommended to people for varying health benefits or outcomes.
Bottomline: Best Bladderwrack Supplements
Bladderwrack botanicals are also a fantastic superfood with an excellent source of iodine. Besides supporting thyroid health, bladderwrack also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects to promote positive overall wellbeing.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional. We have assembled this article through in-depth research based on the information available at the date of publishing. We may receive a small commission for purchases you make through our links, but this comes at no extra cost to you. This commission allows us to continue doing what we love through Health Plugged, which is delivering evidence-based health information to our readers worldwide.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Catarino, M. D., Silva, A., & Cardoso, S. M. (2018). Phycochemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Fucus spp. Marine drugs, 16(8), 249. https://doi.org/10.3390/md16080249
- Skibola C. F. (2004). The effect of Fucus vesiculosus, an edible brown seaweed, upon menstrual cycle length and hormonal status in three pre-menopausal women: a case report. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 4, 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-4-10
- Lomartire, S., Marques, J. C., & Gonçalves, A. (2021). An Overview to the Health Benefits of Seaweeds Consumption. Marine drugs, 19(6), 341. https://doi.org/10.3390/md19060341