Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 7 of 16 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Ormus Minerals

Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton is a dietary supplement by Ormus Minerals with 16 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for weight management, blood sugar support, thyroid support (iodine source).Based on those ingredients, 1,181 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Astaxanthin, Chlorella vulgaris, Blue Green Algae. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton by Ormus Minerals

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton by Ormus Minerals — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton by Ormus Minerals

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Sep 10, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 16 active ingredients.
  • “Ingredients” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (525 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton contains 16 ingredients, most of them marine algae and seaweeds. The active components include Ascophyllum nodosum (a brown algae), two Laminaria species (kelps), several spirulina strains (blue-green algae), Purple Dulse (a red algae), Ecklonia cava, Chlorella vulgaris, and several others.

These ingredients are chosen for their nutrient density—marine plants concentrate minerals including iodine and potassium from seawater. The product also contains gelatin capsules as an inactive ingredient.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Pregnancy-related iron deficiency — rated "Possibly Effective" (Chlorella) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Hypertension — rated "Possibly Effective" (Blue-green Algae) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Hypercholesterolemia — rated "Possibly Effective" (Ecklonia Cava) (Natural Medicines).

Evidence for most uses in this product is sparse. Ecklonia cava shows possibly effective data for high cholesterol, and spirulina species show possibly effective data for high blood pressure; the rest lack reliable evidence.

Most claimed benefits—for prediabetes, weight, digestion, and iron deficiency—fall into the insufficient evidence category. We hold no effectiveness data for Dunaliella salina, Gigartina Red Marine Algae, Phycocyanin, Kombu, or Fucoxanthin.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Ascophyllum Nodosum Astaxanthin Laminaria Blue-green Algae Dulse Ecklonia Cava Chlorella

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 6 of the 7 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 7 of 7.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 7 of 7.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most of these marine ingredients are generally well tolerated when used short-term, but product quality and contamination vary widely. Laminaria species can concentrate arsenic from ocean water; one case linked long-term use to arsenic poisoning symptoms.

Common side effects from the algae include abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Rare but serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported with spirulina and chlorella.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding data are limited or lacking for most ingredients, though high iodine content poses concern for fetal thyroid development and passes into breast milk—the data advise against use in pregnancy and lactation unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Ascophyllum Nodosum Astaxanthin Laminaria Blue-green Algae Dulse Ecklonia Cava Chlorella

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?
  • 6 of the 7 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Laminaria, Chlorella, Blue-green Algae, Astaxanthin, Ascophyllum Nodosum, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 1,182 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 this product, check with your pharmacist or doctor if you take thyroid hormone or antithyroid drugs, amiodarone (heart medication), potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, digoxin, anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, immunosuppressants, diabetes medications, or warfarin. High iodine and potassium from the seaweed content may affect all of these.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a marine algae blend aimed at general wellness through nutrient concentration, but its real claim to medical attention is its iodine and potassium load, which creates genuine interaction risks with thyroid, heart, and blood pressure medications. If you take any prescription drug—especially for thyroid, heart rhythm, blood pressure, blood thinning, diabetes, or immune suppression—talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it.

Quality and contamination risk also warrant caution.

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

Assessment coverage: 11 of 16 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 26, 2020.

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 Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton, straight from the product label.

Brand Ormus Minerals
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 26, 2020
DSLD ID 213251
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton by Ormus Minerals, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
6 Capsule(s)
IngredientAmount% DV
Ingredients525 mg--
Ascophyllum nodosum0 NP--
Astaxanthin0 NP--
Laminaria digitata0 NP--
Blue Green Algae0 NP--
Dunaliella salina0 NP--
Hawaiian Spirulina pacifica0 NP--
Spirulina platensis0 NP--
Gigartina Red Marine Algae0 NP--
Purple Dulse0 NP--
Spirulina platensis0 NP--
Phycocyanin0 NP--
Kombu0 NP--
Ecklonia cava0 NP--
Fucoxanthin0 NP--
Laminaria hyperborea0 NP--
Chlorella vulgaris0 NP--

Other ingredients: Gelatin Capsules

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Dosage: Take 2-6 capsules daily

Precautions

Precautions: Keep out of the reach of children.

Consult with your health consultant for your recommended use of this nutritional supplement.

General Statements

www.OceanNectar.com

Formulation

525 mg 100% natural

No preservatives

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton by Ormus Minerals label

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

Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton by Ormus Minerals

These are the 16 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Ingredients

525 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin Capsules. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton by Ormus Minerals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton?

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
1,181Drugs
1,174 Moderate 7 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Astaxanthin 671
Chlorella vulgaris 337
Blue Green Algae 327
Purple Dulse 85
Laminaria digitata 69

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton interact with 1,181 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

6 of the 16 ingredients in Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Astaxanthin Chlorella vulgaris Blue Green Algae Purple Dulse Laminaria digitata Ascophyllum nodosum

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Astaxanthin2 drug types · 671 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces cytochrome CYP2B6 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces CYP3A4 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Astaxanthin full monograph & interactions

Chlorella vulgaris2 drug types · 337 drugs

Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Chlorella has been reported to cause photosensitization. In five case reports, patients who had ingested chlorella exhibited swelling followed by erythematopurpuric lesions on sun-exposed areas of the body. Theoretically, concomitant use with photosensitizing drugs may exacerbate effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, chlorella might reduce the clinical effects of warfarin.
Chlorella contains significant amounts of vitamin K. There is at least one case report of warfarin therapy becoming sub-therapeutic after initiation of chlorella supplements.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chlorella vulgaris full monograph & interactions

Blue Green Algae3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, this is unlikely.
Spirulina blue-green algae have shown antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects in vitro. However, one preliminary study in 24 patients receiving spirulina blue-green algae 2.3 grams daily for 2 weeks showed no effect on platelet activation or measures of clotting time.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking blue-green algae with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Human research shows that spirulina blue-green algae can have hypoglycemic effects in patients with diabetes, at least some of whom were using antidiabetes drugs. However, blue-green algae does not seem to improve glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes. A meta-analysis of animal studies also suggests that spirulina blue-green algae have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Blue-green algae have been shown to stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Blue Green Algae full monograph & interactions

Purple Dulse7 drug types · 85 drugs

Amiodarine (Cordarone)

Theoretically, combining dulse with amiodarone might cause excessively high iodine levels.
Dulse is rich in iodine, and amiodarone contains 37.3% iodine and can increase iodine levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antithyroid Drugs

Theoretically, due to its iodine content, dulse might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Dulse is rich in iodine. Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, dulse might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with digoxin.
Dulse is rich in potassium, and digoxin can increase potassium levels in the blood. This interaction has not been demonstrated in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, due to its iodine content, dulse might alter the effects of thyroid hormone.
Dulse is rich in iodine. Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Although dulse has been associated with a statistically significant increase in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in clinical research, clinically significant increases have not been documented.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Theoretically, dulse might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with ACEIs.
Dulse is rich in potassium. ACEIs block the actions of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reduce potassium excretion. Concomitant use of these drugs with moderate dietary potassium intake (about 3775-5200 mg daily) does not increase serum potassium levels. However, using these drugs while consuming dulse in quantities that provide larger amounts of potassium daily might increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Additionally, in vitro research suggests that dulse protein hydrolysates inhibit the activity of ACE. However, these effects have not been demonstrated in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (Arbs)

Theoretically, dulse might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with ARBs.
Dulse is rich in potassium. ARBs block the actions of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reduce potassium excretion. Concomitant use of these drugs with moderate dietary potassium intake (about 3775-5200 mg daily) does not increase serum potassium levels. However, using these drugs while consuming dulse in quantities that provide higher amounts of potassium daily might increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Additionally, in vitro research suggests that dulse protein hydrolysates inhibit the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). However, these effects have not been demonstrated in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Theoretically, dulse might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with potassium-sparing diuretics.
Dulse is rich in potassium, and potassium-sparing diuretics can increase potassium levels in the blood. This interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Purple Dulse full monograph & interactions

Laminaria digitata6 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
Laminaria digitata full monograph & interactions

Ascophyllum nodosum3 drug types · 22 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, combining Ascophyllum nodosum with amiodarone might cause excessively high iodine levels.
Ascophyllum nodosum contains iodine, although the bioavailability of iodine from Ascophyllum nodosum is lower than that of potassium iodide. Amiodarone contains 37.3% iodine and can increase iodine levels. Concomitant use might increase the risk of having excessive iodine levels and adversely affecting thyroid function. Monitor thyroid function.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antithyroid Drugs

Due to its iodine content, Ascophyllum nodosum might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Ascophyllum nodosum contains iodine, although the bioavailability of iodine from Ascophyllum nodosum is lower than that of potassium iodide. Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking Ascophyllum nodosum while using antithyroid drugs could alter the effects of the antithyroid drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Due to its iodine content, Ascophyllum nodosum might alter the effects of thyroid hormone.
Ascophyllum nodosum contains iodine, although the bioavailability of iodine from Ascophyllum nodosum is lower than that of potassium iodide. Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking Ascophyllum nodosum while using thyroid hormone could alter the effects of thyroid hormone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ascophyllum nodosum full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton, from the product label.

Ormus Minerals

See all Ormus Minerals products
Name
Ormus Minerals Inc.
Street Address
Post Office Box 513
City
Caldwell
State
Idaho
ZipCode
83606
Web Address
www.OrmusMinerals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton by Ormus Minerals: Common Questions

Does Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton by Ormus Minerals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton has a known interaction with 1,181 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton contains 16 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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 this safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Safety data for most ingredients are limited or absent. The iodine and potassium content raise concern—high iodine can harm fetal thyroid development and passes into breast milk. The data advise avoiding concentrated supplements during pregnancy and lactation. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
What are the most common side effects?
Algae-based side effects reported in trials include abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, and flatulence. Astaxanthin may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, or red-colored stool. Rare allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have occurred with spirulina and chlorella.
Does this actually work for what it claims?
Evidence is weak for most uses. Ecklonia cava shows possibly effective data for high cholesterol, and spirulina possibly effective for high blood pressure. For everything else—prediabetes, weight, digestion, iron deficiency—reliable evidence is lacking.
Can this help lower my blood pressure?
Spirulina species in this product show possibly effective data for high blood pressure in the research we hold. That said, this product carries real interaction risks with blood pressure medications, so your doctor needs to know about it if you're on any such drug.
Why does this product contain so much seaweed, and is that safe?
Marine algae concentrate nutrients from seawater—especially iodine and potassium—which is why they're included. The concern is that supplements deliver much higher, more variable amounts than you'd get from food, and both iodine and potassium can interact with medications. Product purity also varies; some formulations have been linked to arsenic and heavy metal contamination.
What is Phycocyanin and why is it in here?
Phycocyanin is a blue pigment from spirulina algae, included for its antioxidant properties. We hold no interaction data for it, so we can't check it against medications.

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

Not sure if Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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.

Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Ascophyllum Nodosum

Interacts with 22 drugs

Ascophyllum nodosum (often sold as bladderwrack or brown seaweed) is a nutrient-rich algae that people use for weight, blood sugar, and thyroid support, but solid human evidence is limited f...

Read the full Ascophyllum Nodosum monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Astaxanthin

Interacts with 671 drugs

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise benefits. Early human studies are promis...

Read the full Astaxanthin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Laminaria

Interacts with 69 drugs

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 its iodine content can be high and variabl...

Read the full Laminaria monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Blue-green Algae

Interacts with 327 drugs

Blue-green algae are nutrient-rich aquatic microorganisms (such as spirulina and Klamath Lake algae) taken as a supplement for energy, nutrition, and general wellness. Evidence for most heal...

Read the full Blue-green Algae monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Dulse

Interacts with 85 drugs

Dulse is a red seaweed eaten as a food in many coastal cultures and is a natural source of iodine, potassium, protein, and antioxidant compounds. As a food it is generally considered safe fo...

Read the full Dulse monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Ecklonia Cava

Ecklonia cava is an edible brown seaweed rich in plant compounds called phlorotannins that are studied as antioxidants. Early human and lab research hints at possible benefits for blood vess...

Read the full Ecklonia Cava monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Chlorella

Interacts with 337 drugs

Chlorella is a nutrient-rich freshwater green algae taken as a supplement for general wellness, immune support, and 'detox.' Some small studies suggest possible benefits for cholesterol, blo...

Read the full Chlorella monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Rainbow Ocean Nectar Marine Phytoplankton'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 58 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.

Ascophyllum Nodosum 5 references
  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  2. Sterling JB, Heymann WR. Potassium iodide in dermatology: a 19th century drug for the 21st century-uses, pharmacology, adverse effects, and contraindications. J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:691-7. PubMed
  3. Combet E, Ma ZF, Cousins F, et al. Low-level seaweed supplementation improves iodine status in iodine-insufficient women. Br J Nutr 2014;112:753-61. PubMed
  4. Simmons-Boyce JL, Purcell SL, Nelson CM, MacKinnon SL. Dietary Ascophyllum nodosum increases urinary excretion of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates in male Sprague-dawley rats. J Nutr 2009;139:1487-94. PubMed
  5. Sorge US, Henriksen M, Bastan A, et al. Short communication: Iodine concentrations in serum, milk, and tears after feeding Ascophyllum nodosum to dairy cows-A pilot study. J Dairy Sci 2016;99:8472-6. PubMed

See these in context on the Ascophyllum Nodosum monograph →

Astaxanthin 3 references
  1. Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, et al. Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled
  2. Kistler, A., Liechti, H., Pichard, L., Wolz, E., Oesterhelt, G., Hayes, A., and Maurel, P. Metabolism and CYP-inducer properties of astaxanthin in man and primary human hepatocytes. Arch.Toxicol. 2002;75(11-12):665-675. PubMed
  3. Choi HD, Youn YK, Shin WG. Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2011;66:363-369. PubMed

See these in context on the Astaxanthin monograph →

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 →

Blue-green Algae 22 references
  1. Jensen GS, Ginsberg DJ, Huerta P, et al. Consumption of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae has rapid effects on the circulation and function of immune cells in humans. A novel approach to nutritional mobilization of the immune system. JANA 2000;2:50-6.
  2. Iwasa M, Yamamoto M, Tanaka Y, et al. Spirulina-associated hepatotoxicity. Am J Gastroenterol 2002;97:3212-13. PubMed
  3. Hayashi O, Katoh T, Okuwaki Y. Enhancement of antibody production in mice by dietary Spirulina platensis. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1994;40:431-41.. PubMed
  4. Vitale S, Miller NR, Mejico LJ, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial of super blue-green algae in patients with essential blepharospasm or Meige syndrome. Am J Ophthalmol 2004;138:18-32. PubMed
  5. Mani UV, Desai S, Iyer U. Studies on the long-term effect of spirulina supplementation on serum lipid profile and glycated proteins in NIDDM patients. J Nutraceut 2000;2(3):25-32. DOI
  6. Chiu HF, Yang SP, Kuo YL, et al. Mechanisms involved in the antiplatelet effect of C-phycocyanin. Br J Nutr 2006;95:435-40. PubMed
  7. Hsiao G, Chou PH, Shen MY, et al. C-phycocyanin, a very potent and novel platelet aggregation inhibitor from Spirulina platensis. J Agric Food Chem 2005;53:7734-40.
  8. Katz M, Levine AA, Kol-Degani H, Kav-Venaki L. A compound herbal preparation (CHP) in the treatment of children with ADHD: a randomized controlled trial. J Atten Disord 2010;14:281-91. PubMed
  9. Madhyastha, H. K., Radha, K. S., Sugiki, M., Omura, S., and Maruyama, M. Purification of c-phycocyanin from Spirulina fusiformis and its effect on the induction of urokinase-type plasminogen activator from calf pulmonary endothelial cells. Phytomedicine PubMed
  10. Mazokopakis, E. E., Karefilakis, C. M., Tsartsalis, A. N., Milkas, A. N., and Ganotakis, E. S. Acute rhabdomyolysis caused by Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). Phytomedicine. 2008;15(6-7):525-527. PubMed
  11. Halidou, Doudou M., Degbey, H., Daouda, H., Leveque, A., Donnen, P., Hennart, P., and Dramaix-Wilmet, M. [The effect of spiruline during nutritional rehabilitation: systematic review]. Rev.Epidemiol.Sante Publique 2008;56(6):425-431.
  12. Konno, T., Umeda, Y., Umeda, M., Kawachi, I., Oyake, M., and Fujita, N. [A case of inflammatory myopathy with widely skin rash following use of supplements containing Spirulina]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2011;51(5):330-333. PubMed
  13. Le TM, Knulst AC, Röckmann H. Anaphylaxis to Spirulina confirmed by skin prick test with ingredients of Spirulina tablets. Food Chem Toxicol 2014;74:309-10. PubMed
  14. Rzymski P, Niedzielski P, Kaczmarek N, Jurczak T, Klimaszyk P. The multidisciplinary approach to safety and toxicity assessment of microalgae-based food supplements following clinical cases of poisoning. Harmful Algae 2015;46:34-42. DOI
  15. Petrus M, Culerrier R, Campistron M, et al. First case report of anaphylaxis to spirulin: identification of phycocyanin as responsible allergen. Allergy 2010;65(7):924-5. PubMed
  16. Marles RJ, Barrett ML, Barnes J, et al. United States Pharmacopeia safety evaluation of spirulina. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2011;51(7):593-604. PubMed
  17. Majdoub H, Ben Mansour M, Chaubet F, et al. Anticoagulant activity of a sulfated polysaccharide from the green alga Arthrospira platensis. Biochim Biophys Acta 2009;1790(10):1377-81. PubMed
  18. Cha BG, Kwak HW, Park AR, et al. Structural characteristics and biological performance of silk fibroin nanofiber containing microalgae spirulina extract. Biopolymers 2014;101(4):307-18. PubMed
  19. Jensen GS, Drapeau C, Lenninger M, Benson KF. Clinical safety of a high dose of phycocyanin-enriched aqueous extract from Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis: results from a randomized, double-Blind, placebo-controlled study with a focus on anticoagulant ac
  20. Hamedifard Z, Milajerdi A, Reiner Z, Taghizadeh M, Kolahdooz F, Asemi Z. The effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized con
  21. Moradi S, Zobeiri M, Feizi A, Clark CCT, Entezari MH. The effects of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, sleep quality, mental health, fatigue status and quality of life in patients with ulcerative
  22. Ghanbari F, Amerizadeh A, Behshood P, Moradi S, Asgary S. Effect of microalgae arthrospira on biomarkers of glycemic control and glucose metabolism: a systematic Review and meta-analysis. Curr Probl Cardiol 2022;47(10):100942. PubMed

See these in context on the Blue-green Algae monograph →

Dulse 5 references
  1. Malta D, Arcand J, Ravindran A, Floras V, Allard JP, Newton GE. Adequate intake of potassium does not cause hyperkalemia in hypertensive individuals taking medications that antagonize the renin angiotensin aldosterone system. Am J Clin Nutr 2016 Oct;104(4 PubMed
  2. Allsopp P, Crowe W, Bahar B, et al. The effect of consuming Palmaria palmata-enriched bread on inflammatory markers, antioxidant status, lipid profile and thyroid function in a randomised placebo-controlled intervention trial in healthy adults. Eur J Nutr PubMed
  3. McGrath BM, Harmon JP, Bishop G. Palmaria palmata (Dulse) as an unusual maritime aetiology of hyperkalemia in a patient with chronic renal failure: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2010;4:301. PubMed
  4. Furuta T, Miyabe Y, Yasui H, Kinoshita Y, Kishimura H. Angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitory peptides derived from phycobiliproteins of dulse Palmaria palmata. Mar Drugs. 2016;14(2):32. PubMed
  5. Takase T, Nakamura A, Miyoshi H, et al. Effects of Palmaria palmata on lipid metabolism and glycemic control in participants with hypercholesterolemia in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2020.

See these in context on the Dulse monograph →

Ecklonia Cava 1 reference
  1. Lee DH, Park MY, Shim BJ, et al. Effects of Ecklonia cava polyphenol in individuals with hypercholesterolemia: a pilot study. J Med Food. 2012;15(11):1038-44.

See these in context on the Ecklonia Cava monograph →

Chlorella 13 references
  1. Peirce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York, NY: William Morrow and Co., 1999.
  2. Ng TP, Tan WC, Lee YK. Occupational asthma in a pharmacist induced by chlorella, a unicellular algae preparation. Resp Med 1994;88:555-7. PubMed
  3. Jitsukawa K, Suizu R, Hidano A. Chlorella photosensitization. New phytophotodermatosis. Int J Dermatol 1984;23:263-8. PubMed
  4. Merchant RE, Carmack CA, Wise CM. Nutritional supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study. Phytother Res 2000;14:167-73.
  5. Merchant RE, Rice CD, Young HF. Dietary Chlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with malignant glioma: effects on immunocompetence, quality of life, and survival. Phytother Res 1990;4:220-31.
  6. Halperin SA, Smith B, Nolan C, et al. Safety and immunoenhancing effect of a Chlorella-derived dietary supplement in healthy adults undergoing influenza vaccination: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. CMAJ 2003;169:111-7..
  7. Ohtake, T., Negishi, K., Okamoto, K., Oka, M., Maesato, K., Moriya, H., and Kobayashi, S. Manganese-induced Parkinsonism in a patient undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Am J Kidney Dis 2005;46(4):749-753. PubMed
  8. Ng, T. P., Tan, W. C., and Lee, Y. K. Occupational asthma in a pharmacist induced by Chlorella, a unicellular algae preparation. Respir.Med. 1994;88(7):555-557. PubMed
  9. Ohkawa, S., Yoneda, Y., Ohsumi, Y., and Tabuchi, M. [Warfarin therapy and chlorella]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 1995;35(7):806-807.
  10. Azocar J, Diaz A. Efficacy and safety of chlorella supplementation in adults with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2013;19(7):1085-90. PubMed
  11. Panahi Y, Badeli R, Karami GR, Badeli Z, Sahebkar A. A randomized controlled trial of 6-week Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in patients with major depressive disorder. Complement Ther Med 2015;23(4):598-602. PubMed
  12. Nakano S, Takekoshi H, Nakano M. Chlorella pyrenoidosa supplementation reduces the risk of anemia, proteinuria and edema in pregnant women. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 2010;65(1):25-30. PubMed
  13. Yavasoglu I, Turgutkaya A, Bolaman Z. Chlorella-induced thrombocytopenia. Sao Paulo Med J 2018;136(6):602-3. PubMed

See these in context on the Chlorella 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

Keep exploring
Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactions › Check two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookup › Find a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team