Buying Guide for Best Seaweed Supplements
Each of these products has its own special features and ingredients. But how do you choose?
We've listed some things to think about when choosing the best marine algae supplement.
Dosage
The dosage of kelp supplement you should take depends on your current health condition and specific needs.
For example, if you have poor thyroid functioning or are deficient in iodine, you should consume a larger amount of iodine, but if this is the case it’s worth consulting with a health professional first.
Purity & Quality
Look for products with 3rd party testing to ensure quality, for example Verve V80 is informed sports accredited, meaning it undergoes 3rd party testing to ensure there aren’t any performance-enhancing-drugs with nasty side effects, which one study found as many as 28% of supplements to contain.
Another important thing to consider is how pure and safe the formulation is.
It's common for capsules to contain other ingredients besides algae, like rice protein, cellulose, and vegetable iodine, as mentioned earlier. Check the full ingredient list to make sure nothing is harmful, and that they don’t ineract with whatever supplements you’re taking.
Allergen Information
Check for allergen information on the product label to ensure it is safe for your dietary needs.
Some seaweed supplements may contain common allergens like gluten, soy, or nuts, so review the ingredient list carefully.
Cost
The price of a seaweed supplement varies depending on factors like the brand, the number and type of other ingredients, the species of algae, potency, safety level, and the form of the supplement.
Keep your budget in mind, but remember that the cheapest option might compromise on safety or potency. Investing in your health is important.
Clinical Research and Evidence
Seek out products that are backed by scientific research and clinical studies to be sure about efficacy and safety.
Look for brands that transparently share information about their dosages, so you can look at clinical research of the benefits and effects.
Taste and Palatability
Finally, nobody wants a product that tastes bad.
Some seaweed supplements may have a strong or unpleasant taste, which can affect your willingness to take them regularly. Look for supplements that offer pleasant flavors or are easily masked when mixed with other foods or beverages.
Considering these factors will help you narrow down your options to safe and reliable products, shortening your list of "seaweed supplements to consider" to just a few options.
Best Seaweed Supplements: Frequently Asked Questions
We understand you may have questions about seaweed supplements, so here are some answers to common inquiries:
Are seaweed capsules as healthy as fresh seaweed in the sea?
Marine algae capsules offer easy consumption and nearly identical nutritional value to fresh seaweed. Manufacturers typically produce capsules from dried and ground seaweed, standardizing the encapsulated algae to include specific nutrient amounts. They also provide a concentrated source of nutrients along with other healthy ingredients.
Is the wakame supplement different from other seaweed supplements?
Wakame is rich in minerals like iron and calcium, as well as a variety of vitamins. These nutrients promote healthy skin, nails, and hair. Compared to other seaweed types, wakame is particularly potent for addressing specific health concerns.
Is a kelp supplement different from a brown supplement?
Brown algae supplements, such as those made from kombu and wakame, usually contain higher levels of two compounds called fucoidan and fucoxanthin. Meanwhile, kelp supplements are richer in minerals and iodine.
Can seaweed supplements help with weight loss?
Some studies suggest that seaweed supplements might help with weight loss by making you feel full and reducing fat absorption. However, weight loss isn't their primary purpose, and researchers definitely need to conduct more studies on this topic.
Are there any bad effects of taking seaweed supplements?
Most people can take seaweed supplements without problems if they follow the instructions.
However, some people might be sensitive to iodine or have allergies. Also, some supplements might have high doses of iodine, in which case they should be careful.
