BLADDERWRACK (FUCUS VESICULOSIS)
Bladderwrack is rarely used alone as a supplement but is formulated as a support ingredient in various formulations. It is often used in dietary supplement products designed for weight loss, fat burning, enhancing thyroid function, and increasing energy. It is even more common in cosmetic formulations for improving skin tone and health. Like several types of seaweed supplements, bladderwrack is mainly used because of its high iodine content; other reasons include its high trace mineral, fiber, and vitamin B12 content. Thus, there are sound theoretical reasons for including such supplements in the diet.
Iodine is necessary in the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Low levels of thyroid hormones are associated with reduced energy levels and weight gain. In some cases, people battling for years to control their weight have eventually come to find their thyroid levels are low; with the help of their doctors, they find a solution possibly for vegetarians who may not consume adequate levels of carnitine or its precursor amino acids (lysine and methionine) in their diets. For general cardioprotective benefits, carnitine supplementation may be beneficial to help maintain blood lipid profiles and promote fatty acid utilization within heart muscle. The benefits of carnitine supplements on “heart strength” in cases of congestive heart failure and in post-myocardial infarction and postsurgical conditions may be enhanced by combination supplementation with coenzyme Q10.