Safety Profile
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Interactions
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a brown seaweed containing fucoidan, iodine, and alginic acid. High iodine content is the primary safety concern — can trigger or worsen both hypo- and hyperthyroidism; individuals with thyroid conditions must use under medical supervision. Heavy metal contamination (arsenic, mercury, lead) is a significant quality risk; use only third-party tested products. May have anticoagulant properties (fucoidan) — avoid with warfarin. Contraindicated in pregnancy and thyroid disorders without medical advice.
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Scientific Name
- Fucus vesiculosus
Mechanism of Action
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Recommended Dosage
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Botanical
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- No significant safety signals identified in the reviewed literature.
The available scientific evidence for Bladderwrack indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 10/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 10/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 06 აპრ 2026, 12:09
Evidence Distribution
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWCan filamentous algae intensify heat in intertidal rockweed beds? ↗Bekkby T et al.. Can filamentous algae intensify heat in intertidal rockweed beds?. Mar Environ Res. 2026. PMID:41916040.PMID 41916040 ↗Journal Mar Environ ResYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41916040/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWEffect of a Combination of Prebiotic Supplements Based on Fucus and Kelp on the Gut Microbiome of Mice with Induced Inflammation. ↗Khitrov AA et al.. Effect of a Combination of Prebiotic Supplements Based on Fucus and Kelp on the Gut Microbiome of Mice with Induced Inflammation.. Microorganisms. 2026. PMID:41900352.PMID 41900352 ↗Journal MicroorganismsYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41900352/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWFrom Sea to Sight: Fucoidan Protects Against Oxidative Damage in Porcine Retina Organ Culture. ↗Deppe L et al.. From Sea to Sight: Fucoidan Protects Against Oxidative Damage in Porcine Retina Organ Culture.. Mar Drugs. 2026. PMID:41892947.PMID 41892947 ↗Journal Mar DrugsYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41892947/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWFucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus Protects Retinal Pigment Epithelium from Lipid-Induced Damage Related to AMD. ↗Hacker F et al.. Fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus Protects Retinal Pigment Epithelium from Lipid-Induced Damage Related to AMD.. Mar Drugs. 2026. PMID:41745467.PMID 41745467 ↗Journal Mar DrugsYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41745467/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWOptimization of an analytical methodology to determine microplastic contamination in different seaweed groups (Phaeophyceae, Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta). ↗Pereira R et al.. Optimization of an analytical methodology to determine microplastic contamination in different seaweed groups (Phaeophyceae, Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta).. MethodsX. 2026. PMID:41743046.PMID 41743046 ↗Journal MethodsXYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41743046/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWSustainable Continuous Drying of High Moisture Content Seaweed via Twin Screw Extrusion-A Proof of Concept Study and Statistical Analysis. ↗Habeeb Allah A et al.. Sustainable Continuous Drying of High Moisture Content Seaweed via Twin Screw Extrusion-A Proof of Concept Study and Statistical Analysis.. J Food Sci. 2026. PMID:41733308.PMID 41733308 ↗Journal J Food SciYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41733308/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWPhysicochemical, Structural, Molecular, and Thermal Characterization of Fucus vesiculosus Extract-Based Nanofibrous Mats. ↗Bildik F. Physicochemical, Structural, Molecular, and Thermal Characterization of Fucus vesiculosus Extract-Based Nanofibrous Mats.. ACS Omega. 2026. PMID:41626478.PMID 41626478 ↗Journal ACS OmegaYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41626478/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWFucoidan Extracted from Fucus vesiculosus Ameliorates Colitis-Associated Neuroinflammation and Anxiety-like Behavior in Adult C57BL/6 Mice. ↗Song X et al.. Fucoidan Extracted from Fucus vesiculosus Ameliorates Colitis-Associated Neuroinflammation and Anxiety-like Behavior in Adult C57BL/6 Mice.. Mar Drugs. 2026. PMID:41590739.PMID 41590739 ↗Journal Mar DrugsYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41590739/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWFuc-S, a New Degraded Polysaccharide From Fucoidan, Alleviates Type 2 Diabetes-Associated Liver Injury Through Modulating Gut Microbiota. ↗Du B et al.. Fuc-S, a New Degraded Polysaccharide From Fucoidan, Alleviates Type 2 Diabetes-Associated Liver Injury Through Modulating Gut Microbiota.. Food Sci Nutr. 2026. PMID:41550968.PMID 41550968 ↗Journal Food Sci NutrYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41550968/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWImproving in vitro Gastrointestinal Stability of Phlorotannins From Food Grade Fucus vesiculosus Extracts Using Cyclodextrins. ↗Reis SF et al.. Improving in vitro Gastrointestinal Stability of Phlorotannins From Food Grade Fucus vesiculosus Extracts Using Cyclodextrins.. J Food Sci. 2026. PMID:41527704.PMID 41527704 ↗Journal J Food SciYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41527704/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Bladderwrack. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a moderate safety concern. Caution is advised, particularly at high doses or in sensitive populations.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Moderate classification for Bladderwrack
A score of 4.0 places this ingredient in the Moderate band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
No major regulatory restrictions or advisories recorded across monitored jurisdictions (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others).
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.