Seaweed Ingredients in Dietary Supplements

Seaweed is a popular ingredient in dietary supplements because it’s rich in essential nutrients, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. Several types of seaweed are commonly used in supplements, each offering unique health benefits due to their distinct nutrient profiles.

Here are the main types of seaweed used in dietary supplements and the reasons why they are chosen:

1. Kelp

Nutrient Profile: Kelp is a brown seaweed rich in iodine, fiber, and a variety of minerals (including calcium, magnesium, and potassium). It’s also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
Benefits: Kelp is often used to support thyroid function due to its high iodine content. It’s also used for weight management and metabolic support because of its ability to enhance fat burning and regulate metabolism.
Why Used: The iodine in kelp helps regulate thyroid hormones, making it a go-to supplement for thyroid health. It also has general anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Ocean's Balance: offers organic & farmed kelp in fine powder form; perfect for encapsulation and maximum absorption.

2. Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus)

Nutrient Profile: Irish moss is a red algae that contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, and iodine. It’s particularly noted for its high content of mucilage, which is a gel-like substance.
Benefits: Irish moss is often used for its purported benefits for skin health, digestive health, and respiratory support. It’s also used as a source of prebiotic fiber that can help promote gut health and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Why Used: It is often used in supplements for its soothing effects on the digestive tract and its ability to support skin health, especially for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Ocean's Balance: offers the most beautiful purple organic chondrus crispus in a fine powder perfect for encapsulation and maximum absorption.

3. Wakame

Nutrient Profile: Wakame is another type of brown seaweed, high in vitamins (A, C, D, E, and K) and minerals (including iodine, calcium, magnesium, and iron). It also contains bioactive compounds like fucoxanthin, which is a carotenoid with antioxidant properties.
Benefits: Wakame is often used in weight management supplements due to its potential ability to enhance fat metabolism (through fucoxanthin). It’s also believed to support heart health, improve skin elasticity, and aid in overall wellness.
Why Used: Wakame’s rich nutrient profile and potential fat-burning properties make it a popular choice for those seeking weight management and skin health benefits.
Ocean's Balance: offers this organic species in any form, at any scalable volume desired.

4. Dulse (Palmaria palmata)

Nutrient Profile: Dulse is a red seaweed that’s particularly high in protein, iodine, potassium, and iron. It also contains vitamins, particularly B-vitamins and vitamin C.
Benefits: Dulse is typically used for its potential to support thyroid health, improve circulation, and provide a natural source of iodine. It's also a good source of antioxidants and may help support skin health.
Why Used: Its rich iodine content and anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular supplement for thyroid health and general well-being.
Ocean's Balance: offers the most beautiful purple organic Dulse in a fine powder perfect for encapsulation and maximum absorption.

5. Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus)

Nutrient Profile: Bladderwrack is a brown seaweed that’s rich in iodine, antioxidants, and polysaccharides. It also contains a variety of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Benefits: Bladderwrack is commonly used in supplements for thyroid support (due to its iodine content) and for digestive health. It’s also thought to help regulate metabolism and support weight loss.
Why Used: Its high iodine content and potential to support thyroid function and metabolism make it a key supplement for individuals with thyroid imbalances.
Ocean's Balance: offers organic Bladderwrack in powder or granule form.

6. Bladderwrack & Sea Moss Blend

Nutrient Profile: Bladderwrack is a brown seaweed that’s rich in iodine, antioxidants, and polysaccharides; while Sea moss is a natural source of over 90 essential minerals.
Benefits: Bladderwrack is commonly used in supplements for thyroid support (due to its iodine content) and for digestive health. It’s also thought to help regulate metabolism and support weight loss. Sea moss also benefis digestive health, thyroid health and immune function.
Ocean's Balance: recognizes the trend of Bladderwrack & Sea moss in dietary supplements and offers this in powder form.

Why Seaweed is Used in Supplements:

Rich Nutrient Density: Seaweeds are nutrient-dense, providing a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, which are often hard to get from land-based foods alone.
Iodine for Thyroid Health: Many seaweeds, like kelp and bladderwrack, are rich in iodine, which is essential for thyroid hormone production.
Antioxidants: Seaweed contains compounds like carotenoids (e.g., fucoxanthin), flavonoids, and polysaccharides that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.
Digestive Health: Seaweeds contain soluble fiber and prebiotics, which can help support gut health, promote digestion, and regulate blood sugar levels.
Metabolic Support: Some seaweeds are thought to support fat metabolism, which is why they are often used in weight management supplements.
Sustainability: Seaweed is a highly sustainable and renewable resource compared to many land-based crops, which makes it an attractive ingredient for eco-conscious consumers.