Ascophyllum nodosum: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Black rockweed, knotted wrack
Scientific name(s)
Ascophyllum nodosum
Family or group:
Aquatic organisms
Active ingredients:
Iodine
Potassium
Sodium
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Weight control ✪✪✪✪✪
In a human study, taking a combination of Ascophyllum nodosum extract, L-carnitine and garcinia (2 capsules, each capsule contains 500 mg of Garcinia cambogia dry extract containing about 60% hydroxycitric acid, 200 mg of ID-alG™ and 20 mg of L-carnitine) for one week reduced feelings of hunger 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 insufficiency shows that taking Ascophyllum nodosum capsules at a dose of 500 mg per day for 14 days nearly triples urinary iodine excretion and increases thyroid-stimulating hormone levels by 36% compared with 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 a human study, taking a combination of Ascophyllum nodosum extract, L-carnitine and garcinia for one week reduced feelings of hunger before a test meal and increased satiety after the meal, but did not reduce energy intake. In an animal model fed a high-fat diet, Ascophyllum nodosum extract reduced body weight. However, there is no evidence that taking Ascophyllum nodosum alone leads to weight loss in humans.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
In in vitro research, Ascophyllum nodosum showed anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. An Ascophyllum nodosum extract (18% phlorotannins) attenuated TNF-α release even at the lowest concentrations. However, preliminary clinical research in overweight and obese adults shows that taking an Ascophyllum nodosum extract at 100 mg per day 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. Furthermore, in animal models, a combination of Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus prolongs glucose absorption and delays digestion. However, preliminary clinical research shows that taking a single 250 mg dose of Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus extract reduces postprandial insulin concentrations by about 12%, with no effect on postprandial glucose concentrations.
Anticancer
In animal research, Ascophyllum nodosum has demonstrated an anticancer effect. This effect is likely due to ascophyllane, a polysaccharide that has immune-stimulating effects. Indeed, ascophyllane appears to promote immune cell activity and the production of cytokines involved in the immune response to cancer cells.
Safe dosage
Adults aged 18 years and older: 200 mg - 500 mg
Dried Ascophyllum nodosum powder has been used with apparent safety at doses up to 500 mg per day for periods of up to 6 months. However, marine products such as Ascophyllum nodosum can accumulate heavy metals such as arsenic. Some testing is necessary to confirm the absence of contaminants and that heavy metal levels are below thresholds.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antithyroid: moderate interaction
Concurrent use of antithyroid drugs and iodine may increase the antithyroid effect and cause hypothyroidism. Ascophyllum nodosum contains significant amounts of iodine.
Precautions
Breastfeeding women: use with caution
Reliable information available is insufficient; avoid using amounts higher than those found in foods.
Pregnant women: use with caution
Reliable information available is insufficient; avoid using amounts higher than those found in foods.
