Ascophyllum nodosum: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Knotted wrack, Knotted kelp
Scientific name(s)
Ascophyllum nodosum
Family or group:
Aquatic organisms
Active ingredients:
Iodine
Potassium
Sodium
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Weight control ✪✪✪✪✪
In a human study, taking a combination of Ascophyllum nodosum extract, L-carnitine, and garcinia (2 capsules, each containing 500 mg of Garcinia cambogia dry extract with about 60% hydroxycitrate, 200 mg of ID-alG™ and 20 mg of L-carnitine) for one week reduced hunger sensations before a test meal and increased satiety after the meal, but did not reduce energy intake.
Posologie
Orally
500 mg
6 - months
powder, ID-alG™
Synergies
Effects of ID-alG™ on weight management and body fat mass in high-fat-fed rats
Evaluation of the satiating properties of a nutraceutical product containing Garcinia cambogia and Ascophyllum nodosum extracts in healthy volunteers
Impact of a (poly)phenol-rich extract from the brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum on DNA damage and antioxidant activity in an overweight or obese population: a randomized controlled trial
Iodine deficiency ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research conducted in women with iodine deficiency shows that taking Ascophyllum nodosum capsules at 500 mg per day for 14 days nearly triples iodine urinary excretion and increases thyroid-stimulating hormone levels by 36% compared to baseline. The validity of these results is limited by the absence of a control group.
Posologie
Orally
500 mg
6 - months
powder
Properties
Metabolic
The polyphenols contained in Ascophyllum nodosum extract can inhibit digestive enzymes such as lipase and alpha-amylase, and are therefore capable of inhibiting the absorption of starch and lipids. Some in vivo studies have shown that Ascophyllum nodosum can decrease weight. Indeed, in one human study, taking a combination of Ascophyllum nodosum extract, L-carnitine, and garcinia for one week reduced hunger sensations before a test meal and increased satiety after the meal, but did not reduce energy intake. In an animal model on a high-fat diet, Ascophyllum nodosum extract reduced body weight. However, there is no evidence that taking Ascophyllum nodosum alone results in weight loss in humans.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
In vitro research shows that Ascophyllum nodosum exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. An extract of Ascophyllum nodosum (18% phlorotannins) reduced the release of TNF-α even at the lowest concentrations. However, preliminary clinical research in overweight and obese adults shows that taking 100 mg per day of Ascophyllum nodosum extract for 8 weeks does not reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines or C-reactive protein.
Hypoglycemic
In vitro, Ascophyllum nodosum inhibits enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion. Additionally, in animal models, a combination of Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus prolongs glucose absorption and delays digestion. However, preliminary clinical research shows that a single dose of 250 mg of Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus extract reduces postprandial insulin concentrations by about 12%, without affecting postprandial glucose levels.
Anticancer
In animal research, Ascophyllum nodosum has demonstrated anticancer effects. This effect is likely due to ascophyllan, a polysaccharide that has immune-stimulating effects. Ascophyllan seems to promote the activity of immune cells and the production of cytokines involved in the immune response to cancer cells.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 200 mg - 500 mg
Dried Ascophyllum nodosum powder has been used with apparent safety at doses up to 500 mg per day for up to 6 months. However, marine products like Ascophyllum nodosum can accumulate heavy metals such as arsenic. Some analyses are necessary to confirm the absence of contaminants and that heavy metal levels are below thresholds.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antithyroid: moderate interaction
Concomitant use of antithyroid drugs and iodine may increase the antithyroid effect and cause hypothyroidism. Ascophyllum nodosum contains significant amounts of iodine.
Precautions
Breastfeeding woman: use cautiously
Reliable information is insufficient; avoid using amounts greater than those found in foods.
Pregnant woman: use cautiously
Reliable information is insufficient; avoid using amounts greater than those found in foods.
