Bladderwrack has been a first-choice natural remedy in folk medicine for centuries. But now that this edible seaweed has gained popularity in the U.S. natural health space, it’s time to zoom in on its nutrients, health benefits, and potential risks. Let’s go!
Related article: What is Sea Moss and Is It Good for Your Health?
What is Bladderwrack?
Bladderwrack, scientifically known as Fucus vesiculosus, is a type of brown seaweed that naturally grows along the coasts of the North and Baltic seas and the Atlantic Ocean.
Its name comes from its numerous air-filled pockets that resemble small bladders and help the algae float. Depending on location, bladderwrack can sometimes be called sea grapes, rockweed, Atlantic kelp, red fucus, dyers fucus, rock wrack, black tang, sea oak, or bladder fucus.
While Fucus vesiculosus and kelp are both brown algae, bladderwrack belongs to the Fucaceae family, while true kelps belong to the order Laminariales. Their names are sometimes used interchangeably, so the scientific name is useful when choosing an ingredient!
Bladderwrack is an edible seaweed and has been part of traditional, herbal, and holistic medicines for centuries.
Related article: How is Sea Moss Different from Kelp, Bladderwrack, Dulce, and Other Edible Seaweeds?
Bladderwrack Health Benefits
Like sea moss, bladderwrack is very rich in dietary fibers, micros and macronutrients, minerals, and vitamins, such as calcium, iodine, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and vitamin B complex.
This exceptional combination makes it a wonderfully nutrient-rich seaweed and an interesting addition to a balanced wellness routine. Here are the nutrients, traditional uses, and research findings bladderwrack is most renowned for.
Related article: 18 Sea Moss's Benefits for Health & Wellness!
A good source of iodine
Iodine is an essential mineral the human body can’t produce alone. Therefore, it must be brought by foods and supplements (hence the iodized table salts sold in the U.S.). It plays a vital role in thyroid function and overall health and development.
Like sea moss, bladderwrack is an iodine-rich seaweed. Getting enough iodine supports normal thyroid-hormone production and metabolism, which influence critical biochemical and hormonal reactions in the body. A measured serving helps you fit it into your routine while considering iodine from your other foods and supplements.
A natural antioxidant
Bladderwrack contains interesting antioxidant compounds like beta-carotene, lutein, phlorotannins, fucoxanthin[1], and zeaxanthin. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, making these compounds of interest in research on oxidative stress and healthy aging. The fucoxanthin review below explores laboratory and animal mechanisms relevant to cancer research; our related article takes a closer look at that research topic.
Related article: Sea Moss and Cancer, What the Research Actually Says.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Bladderwrack has a long history in internal and external herbal preparations, including traditional uses for rheumatism and arthritic joint discomfort.
Researchers are particularly interested in its fucoidans[2], a class of sulfated polysaccharides studied for their effects on inflammatory signaling. The cited exploratory human study followed 20 people with advanced cancer taking a specially prepared fucoidan extract from Cladosiphon, another brown seaweed. It found reductions in three inflammatory cytokines after two weeks. These findings describe that extract and study population, alongside broader research into brown-seaweed compounds and inflammation. For ongoing joint pain, a clinician can help you choose appropriate care.
A weight loss aid
Bladderwrack has a long tradition as a weight-management support ingredient. The European Medicines Agency’s monograph describes a traditional herbal preparation used alongside a reduced-calorie diet in overweight adults after medical assessment. Its iodine contributes to normal thyroid function and metabolism; the aim is to meet your nutritional needs rather than increase iodine to accelerate fat burning.
Additionally, bladderwrack contains dietary fibers. Fiber-rich foods can promote a feeling of satiety that helps you stay full longer and avoid snacking. Build that benefit through your overall meals, with vegetables, beans, and whole grains alongside any supplement routine.
For bloating and water retention, steady hydration and advice about the underlying cause are helpful steps. Bladderwrack also appears in cosmetic creams formulated to improve the appearance of cellulite, a separate skin-care use discussed below.
Related article: The Right Way to Take Sea Moss for Weight Loss.
Organics Nature’s Sea Moss, Bladderwrack & Burdock Root Capsules
A heart-healthy food
Edible seaweeds have been extensively studied for their heart-health interests. The seaweed-rich Japanese diet has inspired valuable research into how these foods fit into a varied diet.
One study followed 86,113 Japanese adults[3]. Almost-daily seaweed consumption, compared with almost none, was associated with lower ischemic heart-disease risk in men and women. The men’s estimate for overall cardiovascular disease was 12% lower. These were associations with dietary seaweed intake, giving us an encouraging look at eating patterns.
Additionally, bladderwrack is a naturally cholesterol-free food. Seaweeds can contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are fats rather than “good cholesterol”; their contribution depends on the species and serving. They fit into the wider picture of heart-friendly nutrition.
In 2017, a Japanese randomized study[4] followed 60 adults taking fucoxanthin-enriched akamoku oil for eight weeks. The 2-mg-per-day fucoxanthin group had a greater reduction in HbA1c, a measure of longer-term blood glucose, than the zero-fucoxanthin group. This interesting finding concerns the tested oil preparation and offers another avenue for diabetes research and nutrition discussions. Anyone managing diabetes should keep their established care plan in place.
Related article: Sea Moss, Blood Pressure & Heart Health.
Skin benefits
Bladderwrack is also a popular cosmetic ingredient, especially in preparations for the appearance of cellulite and aging skin. For acne, eczema, and psoriasis, choose condition-specific advice and suitable skin-care products.
Like sea moss, bladderwrack offers nutrients of interest in a collagen-supporting nutrition routine. Collagen itself is an animal structural protein; seaweeds supply their own minerals and other compounds. In the cited study[5], combined extracts of bladderwrack and Furcellaria lumbricalis stimulated pro-collagen I production in cultured fibroblasts. A multi-ingredient cosmetic preparation also improved cellulite grading in a human study after eight and twelve weeks. Those are exciting findings for the specific cosmetic preparations studied!
Collagen is the main structural protein in the body and helps the skin maintain firmness and elasticity. If you enjoy an easy drink-mixing format, our Vanilla-Caramel powder brings together Irish sea moss and hydrolyzed collagen peptides.
Related article: What are Sea Moss Benefits for the Skin?
How to Take Bladderwrack?
Taking bladderwrack as part of your health and wellness routine comes down to consistency and a suitable serving. Choose a preparation you enjoy, follow its directions, and give yourself an easy habit to stick with.
We recommend combining bladderwrack with Irish sea moss (Chondrus crispus) in our convenient three-ingredient capsules. It’s a simple way to enjoy the complementary ingredients without preparing seaweed every morning!
How much bladderwrack to take?
If you have thyroid problems, ask your healthcare provider to review the product and your total iodine intake before adding bladderwrack. This helps you choose a supplement that fits your care.
Organics Nature’s capsules provide 300 mg of bladderwrack, 1,000 mg of Irish sea moss, and 200 mg of burdock root per two-capsule serving. Our bottle contains 90 capsules, a convenient 45-day supply at that serving. Follow the current container directions.
Related article: Find out How Much Sea Moss you Should Take Daily
Bladderwrack’s Possible Side Effects
Because it is iodine-rich, excessive intake can affect thyroid function, including hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Consider other iodine-containing supplements and foods when planning your routine.
Choose quality products with third-party testing, including attention to heavy metals. Organics Nature’s capsules are wildcrafted, third-party tested, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly—a convenient choice for ingredient-conscious shoppers.
If you take blood-thinning, thyroid, antiarrhythmic, or blood-pressure medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist to review the full formula and possible interactions before use. The EMA monograph advises against combining its bladderwrack preparation with thyroid medicines or other iodine-containing preparations. A medication review helps you make a choice that fits your individual treatment.
For pregnancy or breastfeeding, choose your supplements with your clinician; bladderwrack use is not recommended during these stages in the EMA monograph. For anyone under 18, seek individual medical advice before using bladderwrack.
Related article: Can Sea Moss Help you Get Pregnant?
Bladderwrack and Sea Moss Synergy
If you’ve heard about bladderwrack, chances are you’ve heard about sea moss too. Irish sea moss is Chondrus crispus, the species in our capsules, while our Saint Lucian raw sea moss and gel use Eucheuma cottonii. These red seaweeds are another edible gift from the sea!
Sea moss’s 92-of-102 mineral profile makes it an absolute nutritional powerhouse and a wonderful superfood to explore. Our mineral and vitamin guide takes you through that profile and the nutrients that help make sea moss so interesting.
Irish and Caribbean communities have enjoyed sea moss for generations in foods, drinks, and traditional wellness preparations. Today, its nutrients and seaweed compounds inspire conversations about diabetes and nutrition, fertility nutrition, joint comfort and arthritis research, respiratory wellness traditions, and mood and mental-health nutrition. Explore those guides for a closer look at each topic and its appropriate care context.
Sea moss and bladderwrack are often combined for their complementary ingredients and nutrient profiles. Add burdock root and you have a popular trio that’s wonderfully convenient in capsule form.
Organics Nature’s Sea Moss, Bladderwrack, and Burdock Root Pills
Sea moss has recently become so popular in the U.S. that there’s an incredible variety of products to explore. A thoughtfully formulated blend makes it easy to choose the ingredients and format that suit your routine.
At Organics Nature, we work with nutritionists and third-party laboratories to create thoughtfully formulated health supplements. That’s why our sea moss capsules also contain bladderwrack and burdock root. Three celebrated natural ingredients combined into easy-to-swallow capsules!
Our blend brings together sea moss’s rich mineral profile with bladderwrack and burdock root. The wider ingredient profiles include iodine, zinc, iron, sulfur, calcium, potassium, silica, vitamins, antioxidants, and other interesting compounds. Enjoy the convenience of a measured supplement serving alongside the variety of a balanced diet.
Our sea moss capsules enriched with bladderwrack and burdock root are easy to add to your busy schedule if you do not have time to consume sea moss gel. The fine powders are encapsulated for convenient daily use, even while traveling or on the go. Each two-capsule serving contains the following:
- 1000 mg of organic sea moss powder
- 300 mg of bladderwrack
- 200 mg of burdock root
Do you take bladderwrack? What are your thoughts about this edible seaweed?
Trusted Sources:
[1] Kumar SR, Hosokawa M, Miyashita K. Fucoxanthin: a marine carotenoid exerting anti-cancer effects by affecting multiple mechanisms. Mar Drugs. 2013 Dec 16;11(12):5130-47. doi: 10.3390/md11125130. PMID: 24351910; PMCID: PMC3877908.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3877908/
[2] Takahashi H, Kawaguchi M, Kitamura K, Narumiya S, Kawamura M, Tengan I, Nishimoto S, Hanamure Y, Majima Y, Tsubura S, Teruya K, Shirahata S. An Exploratory Study on the Anti-inflammatory Effects of Fucoidan in Relation to Quality of Life in Advanced Cancer Patients.Integr Cancer Ther. 2018 Jun;17(2):282-291. doi: 10.1177/1534735417692097. Epub 2017 Feb 12. PMID: 28627320; PMCID: PMC6041928. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6041928/
[3] Murai U, Yamagishi K, Sata M, Kokubo Y, Saito I, Yatsuya H, Ishihara J, Inoue M, Sawada N, Iso H, Tsugane S; JPHC Study Group. Seaweed intake and risk of cardiovascular disease: the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective (JPHC) Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2019 Dec 1;110(6):1449-1455. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqz231. PMID: 31518387. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31518387/
[4] Mikami N, Hosokawa M, Miyashita K, Sohma H, Ito YM, Kokai Y. Reduction of HbA1c levels by fucoxanthin-enriched akamoku oil possibly involves the thrifty allele of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1): a randomized controlled trial in normal-weight and obese Japanese adults. J Nutr Sci. 2017 Feb 14;6:e5. doi: 10.1017/jns.2017.1. PMID: 28620480; PMCID: PMC5465861. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5465861/
[5] Al-Bader T, Byrne A, Gillbro J, Mitarotonda A, Metois A, Vial F, Rawlings AV, Laloeuf A. Effect of cosmetic ingredients as anti-cellulite agents: synergistic action of actives with in vitro and in vivo efficacy. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2012 Mar;11(1):17-26. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2011.00594.x. PMID: 22360330. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22360330/