Relationship: Constipation (adults) and Red seaweed (unspecified)

Evidence supporting the use of: Red seaweed (unspecified)
For the health condition: Constipation (adults)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis
Other ingredients for this health condition
Other health conditions supported by this ingredient
Products containing this ingredient

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Red seaweed, particularly species such as Chondrus crispus (Irish moss) and Gracilaria, has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine for digestive health, including the relief of constipation in adults. This use is primarily attributed to the high soluble fiber content, especially carrageenan and agar, both of which are polysaccharides derived from red seaweed. These substances act as bulk-forming agents, absorbing water and increasing stool bulk, which can help promote bowel movements.

Historically, cultures in coastal regions of Europe and Asia have prepared red seaweed as food or decoctions for gastrointestinal complaints, leveraging its mucilaginous properties. However, while there is a clear traditional rationale and empirical use, scientific validation is limited. Few clinical studies have directly investigated the efficacy of whole red seaweed or its extracts for constipation specifically. Most evidence is extrapolated from the known effects of dietary fiber and from the use of agar as a laxative in some over-the-counter products. Some in vitro and animal studies confirm water-holding and bulking effects, but robust, large-scale human trials are lacking.

In summary, the use of red seaweed for constipation is supported by traditional use and plausible mechanisms related to fiber content, but high-quality scientific validation is minimal. The evidence rating is modest, reflecting reliance on tradition rather than rigorous clinical research.

More about Red seaweed (unspecified)
More about Constipation (adults)

Other ingredients used for Constipation (adults)

Other health conditions supported by Red seaweed (unspecified)

Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (prevention)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Convalescence
Diabetes
Fatigue
Hypertension
Inflammation
Metabolic Syndrome
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Triglycerides (high)
Ulcers

Products containing Red seaweed (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Red seaweed (unspecified)
For the health condition: Constipation (adults)

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Constipation (adults)

Other health conditions supported by Red seaweed (unspecified)

Products containing Red seaweed (unspecified)

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Red seaweed (unspecified)For the health condition: Constipation (adults)

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Constipation (adults)

Other health conditions supported by Red seaweed (unspecified)

Products containing Red seaweed (unspecified)

Evidence supporting the use of: Red seaweed (unspecified)
For the health condition: Constipation (adults)