Kelp KELP

What are other names for this remedy?

Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names: Laminaria digitata, Laminaria japonica, brown algae, sea girdles, seaweed, kombu, kelp, makombu thallus, seagirdle thallus

What is kelp?

Kelp is a type of seaweed called brown algae. Kelp is eaten as food in Japan, Alaska, and Hawaii. Kelp is a good source of folic acid (one of the B vitamins), as well as many other vitamins. It also contains minerals such as iodine, potassium, calcium, and iron.

This information refers to the Laminaria species, which is a deep-sea kelp. This kind of kelp contains 10 times as much iodine as the Fucus species (known as bladderwrack). Kelp and bladderwrack have different uses and are not the same remedy.

What is it used for?

This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider. There may be other uses that are not listed below.

Kelp has been taken by mouth to treat:

• arthritis
• constipation
• hardening of the arteries
• heartburn
• high blood pressure
• obesity
• radiation poisoning

Kelp is also used to help with childbirth.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

Kelp is available in the form of tablets, capsules, and tea. Check the label on the package for the specific dose.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

Do not take kelp if you have:

• a thyroid disorder
• acne
• an allergy to iodine
• kidney problems

Kelp may contain high levels of iodine, which may worsen thyroid problems.

Some kelp supplements have been found to contain high levels of arsenic, which is deadly.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:

• Natural remedies are not always safe.
• You should not take them if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval. They should not be taken by infants, children, or older adults without your provider's approval.
• They affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take.
• Natural remedies are not standardized and may have different strengths and effects. They may be contaminated.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious: Irregular or pounding heartbeat, nervousness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing, severe tiredness, unusual bleeding.

Other: Cramps, acne, itching, rash.

What products might interact with this remedy?

When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way the remedy or the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Before taking this remedy, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• ACE inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril, enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril, lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), quinapril (Accupril), and ramipril (Altace)
• digoxin (Lanoxin)
• potassium supplements such as K-Dur, Klor-con, and K-Lyte
• potassium-sparing diuretics such as triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide), amiloride, and spironolactone (Aldactone)
• thyroid medicines such as levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid), liothyronine (Cytomel), liotrix (Thyrolar), and thyroid (Armour Thyroid)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.

This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.