Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus), commonly known as kelp, has a long history of traditional use for thyroid health, particularly in cases of hypothyroidism. This traditional use is primarily rooted in the seaweed's high iodine content. Iodine is an essential mineral required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (thyroxine/T4 and triiodothyronine/T3), and deficiency in iodine is a well-known cause of hypothyroidism (specifically, goiter). In times and regions where dietary iodine was scarce, bladderwrack and other seaweeds were employed as natural remedies to address symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. However, while the rationale for using bladderwrack in iodine-deficiency hypothyroidism is clear, modern scientific evidence supporting its use for general hypothyroidism is limited. Most cases of hypothyroidism in developed countries today are due to autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease), where iodine supplementation may not be helpful and could even be detrimental. Clinical studies directly evaluating bladderwrack's efficacy or safety in treating hypothyroidism are scarce. Furthermore, the iodine content of bladderwrack can be highly variable, raising concerns about both under- and over-supplementation. In summary, the use of bladderwrack for hypothyroidism is justified primarily by tradition and historical precedent, particularly for dietary iodine deficiency. There is a lack of robust scientific evidence supporting its widespread use for all forms of hypothyroidism, and caution is advised due to potential risks of excessive iodine intake.

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