Laminaria
Laminaria

Background

Laminaria (Laminaria digitata) is a type of brown seaweed. It's native to Japan and is used as food in many Asian countries.

Laminaria contains iodine, an element that the body needs to make thyroid hormones. It's also a rich source of iron and potassium. Laminaria forms a thick, sticky gel when combined with water. This allows it to work as a bulk laxative in the gut.

People use laminaria for ending a pregnancy (abortion), childbirth, cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse laminaria with other types of seaweed or with chemicals found in seaweed, such as algin and carrageenan. These are not the same.
When taken by mouth: Laminaria is commonly consumed in foods. Iodine-reduced laminaria supplements are possibly safe when used short-term. But laminaria is possibly unsafe when non-iodine reduced supplements are used as medicine. The average laminaria-based supplement might contain as much as 1000 mcg of iodine. Taking in more than 1100 mcg of iodine daily, from all foods and other sources, can cause thyroid issues. Some laminaria products also contain significant amounts of arsenic, which can be toxic.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if laminaria is safe. Some people might experience allergic reactions.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: Laminaria is possibly unsafe when applied in the vagina to ripen the cervix and is likely unsafe when used to induce labor. It can cause serious side effects for both the parent and child, including infection, rupture of the cervix, and infant death. Taking laminaria by mouth as a supplement during pregnancy is unsafe. It can affect hormones. Avoid use.

Breast-feeding: Taking laminaria by mouth as a supplement while breast-feeding is likely unsafe. Laminaria might contain toxic chemicals. Avoid use.

Kidney problems: Laminaria might cause high potassium and iodine levels. Don't take laminaria if you have kidney problems.

Thyroid problems: Laminaria contains large amounts of iodine, which might make thyroid problems worse. Don't take laminaria if you have thyroid problems.

Effectiveness

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
  • Ending a pregnancy (abortion). Applying laminaria in the vagina doesn't seem to shorten delivery time or improve the outcome of abortions. It might even worsen outcomes compared to standard care.
  • Childbirth. Applying laminaria in the vagina during childbirth doesn't seem to reduce the need for a caesarean section (C-section). It actually seems to increase the risk of an infection in both the parent and infant.
There is interest in using laminaria for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

Laminaria is a type of seaweed that is commonly eaten in Asian countries. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of laminaria might be. Laminaria supplements are often very high in iodine. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Amiodarone contains iodine. Laminaria also contains iodine. Taking laminaria along with amiodarone might increase the levels of iodine in the blood. Too much iodine in the blood can cause side effects that affect the thyroid.

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Laminaria contains large amounts of potassium. Large amounts of potassium can increase the effects and side effects of digoxin.

Medications for an overactive thyroid (Antithyroid drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Laminaria contains iodine. Iodine can increase or decrease thyroid function. Taking laminaria along with medications for an overactive thyroid might change the effects of these medications.

Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Laminaria contains large amounts of potassium. Some medications for high blood pressure can increase potassium levels in the blood. Taking laminaria along with some medications for high blood pressure might cause too much potassium in the blood.

Thyroid hormone

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

The body naturally produces thyroid hormones. Laminaria might increase how much thyroid hormone the body produces. Taking laminaria along with thyroid hormone pills might increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormones.

Water pills (Potassium-sparing diuretics)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Laminaria contains large amounts of potassium. Some "water pills" can also increase potassium levels in the body. Taking some "water pills" along with laminaria might cause too much potassium to be in the body.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Iodine-containing herbs and supplements: Laminaria contains iodine. Taking laminaria with other products that contain iodine might cause iodine levels to go too high. This can cause side effects, such as changes in thyroid function. Examples of supplements that contain iodine include seaweed products, such as dulse and sea moss.
Potassium: Laminaria contains potassium. Using it along with potassium supplements might raise potassium levels too much.
Strontium: Laminaria contains a chemical called alginate. Alginate binds to strontium in the stomach and reduces the amount of strontium that is absorbed by the body. This might lower the amount of strontium that the body gets from strontium supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
Vital All-In-One
4.5 (2 pracs)
5.0 (4 clients)
Per 10 g:
RRP: $237.05$154.09Save: 35%
Create account
Hair, Skin & Nails
Per tablet:
RRP: $31.96$28.76Save: 10%
Create account
Men's 50+ Multi
Per tablet:
RRP: $29.95$26.96Save: 10%
Create account
Men's Multi
Per tablet:
RRP: $29.95$26.96Save: 10%
Create account
Women's 50+ Multi
Per tablet:
RRP: $29.95$26.96Save: 10%
Create account
Women's Multi
Per tablet:
RRP: $29.95$26.96Save: 10%
Create account
Clear Skin Superfood Booster
Per 5 g:
RRP: $39.95$33.96Save: 15%
Create account
Super Greens + Reds
RRP: $124.95$103.71Save: 17%
Create account
vital.ly has licensed monographs from TRC Healthcare.
This monograph was last reviewed on 26/08/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 28/11/2021 07:02:29. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
Natural Medicines disclaims any responsibility related to medical consequences of using any medical product. Effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this monograph is accurate at the time it was published. Consumers and medical professionals who consult this monograph are cautioned that any medical or product related decision is the sole responsibility of the consumer and/or the health care professional. A legal License Agreement sets limitations on downloading, storing, or printing content from this Database. No reproduction of this monograph or any content from this Database is permitted without written permission from the publisher. It is unlawful to download, store, or distribute content from this site.