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Dietary supplement

Kelp Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by BulkSupplements.com

Powder Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Kelp Extract is a dietary supplement by BulkSupplements.com with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for source of dietary iodine, thyroid support, cervical dilation (medical procedure).Based on those ingredients, 69 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Kelp extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Kelp Extract by BulkSupplements.com

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product is pure kelp extract — a single active ingredient derived from brown seaweed (Laminaria). There are no inactive fillers; the powder itself is the active ingredient.

Kelp is a concentrated source of iodine and potassium. The iodine content varies by batch and source, but some formulations deliver as much as 1,000 micrograms (mcg) per dose, far above typical dietary intake.

That variability in iodine — and the potential for arsenic contamination from ocean water — is important to know before you buy.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Laminaria product and its label doesn't state a use — see Laminaria's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence we hold doesn't support kelp extract for cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, or acute radiation syndrome — the data simply isn't there to rate it one way or the other. For pregnancy-related uses (abortion and labor induction), the evidence suggests it probably doesn't work.

If you're considering kelp for a specific health goal, your doctor or pharmacist can point you toward what the science actually shows for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Laminaria

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Kelp extract is generally well tolerated as a food, but supplements deliver far larger and more variable amounts of iodine than you'd get from eating seaweed. That unpredictability is the main safety concern.

Oral kelp has been linked to acne in some people, and a serious but rare risk: kelp concentrates arsenic from seawater, and prolonged use of some products has caused arsenic poisoning with headaches, weakness, fatigue, memory problems, rash, nail damage, diarrhea, and vomiting. Arsenic levels vary between batches and depend on where the kelp was harvested.

In pregnancy, high iodine can harm the fetal thyroid, so kelp supplements are best avoided unless your doctor directs otherwise. While breastfeeding, iodine passes into milk; high amounts from supplements may affect your infant's thyroid, so concentrated kelp is not recommended.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Laminaria

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Laminaria.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 69 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Kelp Extract, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, antithyroid drugs, amiodarone, digoxin, or thyroid hormone replacements. All of these have documented Moderate-severity interactions with kelp's potassium and iodine content.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Kelp extract is worth a conversation if you're interested in iodine supplementation, but it comes with real trade-offs: variable iodine content, arsenic risk with long-term use, and serious interactions with heart, thyroid, and blood pressure medications. If you take digoxin, a thyroid medication, blood pressure drugs, or a diuretic, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product — it may not be safe for your regimen.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 27, 2021.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Kelp Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand BulkSupplements.com
Barcode (UPC) X001FG2KFR
Net contents 1 kg; 35.3 oz
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 27, 2021
DSLD ID 252562
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Kelp Extract by BulkSupplements.com, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
500 mg
Maximum serving Sizes:
500 mg
Servings per container
2000
UPC/BARCODE
X001FG2KFR
IngredientAmount% DV
Kelp extract500 mg--

Other ingredients: None

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Clean & pure bulk supplements

New - Bulksupplements Kelp Extract (Seaweed) Powder (1 Kilogram)

Formulation

Free of: Added sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten.

Color may vary

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 500 mg (about 1/5 tsp) once daily, or as directed by a physician.

Storage

Store in a dry, cool place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

Warning: This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Always consult a physician before taking any dietary supplement.

Keep out of reach of children.

See for yourself

Kelp Extract by BulkSupplements.com label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Kelp Extract by BulkSupplements.com

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size500 mg Dosage formPowder Servings per container2000 Amounts shown are per serving.

Kelp extract

Interacts with
69 drugs
500 mg per serving

Laminaria is a type of brown seaweed (kelp) that is very rich in iodine and is also used in medical settings as a natural cervical dilator. Because it...

Kelp extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Kelp Extract by BulkSupplements.com Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Kelp Extract?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
69Drugs
69 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Kelp Extract with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Kelp extract6 drug types · 69 drugs

Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Theoretically, laminaria might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with ACEIs.
Laminaria contains potassium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, combining laminaria with amiodarone might cause excessively high iodine levels.
Amiodarone contains 37.3% iodine and can increase iodine levels. Concomitant use with laminaria supplements, some of which may contain as much as 1000 mcg iodine, might increase the risk of adverse effects from iodine, including altered thyroid function.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antithyroid Drugs

Due to its iodine content, laminaria might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Some laminaria supplements contain up to 1000 mcg of iodine. Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking laminaria could theoretically alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, laminaria might increase the risk of hyperkalemia, which could increase the effects and adverse effects of digoxin.
Laminaria contains potassium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Theoretically, laminaria might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with potassium-sparing diuretics.
Laminaria contains potassium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Due to its iodine content, laminaria might alter the effects of thyroid hormone.
Some laminaria supplements contain up to 1000 mcg of iodine. Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking laminaria could theoretically alter the effects of thyroid hormone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Kelp Extract, from the product label.

BulkSupplements.com

See all BulkSupplements.com products
Name
BulkSupplements.com
Street Address
7511 Eastgate Rd
City
Henderson
State
NV
ZipCode
89011
Web Address
BulkSupplements.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Kelp Extract by BulkSupplements.com: Common Questions

Does Kelp Extract by BulkSupplements.com interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Kelp Extract has a known interaction with 69 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Kelp Extract contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is kelp safe during pregnancy?
No. The safety data advises against kelp supplements in pregnancy because excess iodine can harm the fetal thyroid. If you're pregnant and considering iodine supplementation, talk with your doctor first — they can discuss safer options.
Can I take kelp while breastfeeding?
The data advises against concentrated kelp supplements while breastfeeding. Iodine passes into breast milk, and high amounts from supplements may affect your infant's thyroid. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether kelp is right for you during this time.
What's the arsenic risk I've heard about?
Kelp concentrates arsenic from ocean water. One person who took a kelp supplement for several months developed arsenic poisoning — headaches, weakness, fatigue, memory loss, rash, nail damage, diarrhea, and vomiting — with elevated urinary arsenic levels. The arsenic concentration varies by batch and where the kelp was harvested. This is rare but serious, especially with prolonged use.
Why is iodine in kelp a problem if I'm on thyroid medication?
Kelp can contain as much as 1,000 mcg of iodine per dose. High iodine doses can cause both an overactive and underactive thyroid, depending on your history. If you take thyroid medication or antithyroid drugs, the extra iodine can throw off how well your medication works, shifting your hormone levels unpredictably.
Does kelp help with weight loss or high blood pressure?
We don't have strong evidence for either use. For weight loss, obesity, and high blood pressure, the evidence isn't established in the data we hold. Talk with your doctor about whether kelp makes sense for your health goals.
Can kelp cause acne?
Yes — kelp has been linked to acne in some people. If you already have acne-prone skin, that's worth keeping in mind.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Kelp Extract label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Kelp Extract's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 9 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Laminaria 9 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Pye KG, Kelsey SM, House IM, et al. Severe dyserythropoeisis and autoimmune thrombocytopenia associated with ingestion of kelp supplement. Lancet 1992;339:1540.
  4. Kazzi GM, Bottoms SF, Rosen MG. Efficacy and safety of Laminaria digitata for preinduction ripening of the cervix. Obstet Gynecol 1982;60:440-3..
  5. Harrell BL, Rudolph AH. Letter: Kelp diet: A cause of acneform eruption. Arch Dermatol 1976;112:560.
  6. Eliason BC. Transient hyperthyroidism in a patient taking dietary supplements containing kelp. J Am Board Fam Pract 1998;11:478-80. PubMed
  7. Norman JA, Pickford CJ, Sanders TW, Waller M. Human intake of arsenic and iodine from seaweed-based food supplements and health foods available in the UK. Food Addit Contam 1988;5:103-9.. PubMed
  8. Amster E, Tiwary A, Schenker MB. Case report: potential arsenic toxicosis secondary to herbal kelp supplement. Environ Health Perspect 2007;115:606-8. PubMed
  9. Miyai K, Tokushige T, Kondo M; Iodine Research Group. Suppression of thyroid function during ingestion of seaweed "Kombu" (Laminaria japonoca) in normal Japanese adults. Endocr J. 2008 Dec;55(6):1103-8. Epub 2008 Aug 9.

See these in context on the Laminaria monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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