Evidence supporting the use of: Bladderwrack (Kelp)
For the body system: Hair
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus), often referred to as a form of kelp, has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly for supporting thyroid health due to its iodine content. This, in turn, has led to its association with hair health, as thyroid dysfunction (especially hypothyroidism) is known to contribute to hair thinning and loss. In various traditional systems, including Western herbalism, bladderwrack has been recommended to support hair growth by providing trace minerals, especially iodine, which is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis.
However, scientific evidence directly linking bladderwrack or kelp to improved hair growth or health is limited. Most claims are extrapolated from its nutritional profile and the indirect relationship between thyroid function and hair. There are no large-scale, well-controlled clinical trials demonstrating that bladderwrack supplementation alone benefits hair growth in healthy individuals. Its efficacy is largely rooted in tradition and the logical connection between correcting iodine deficiency (which can cause hair loss) and potential improvements in hair health.
Because of this, the use of bladderwrack for supporting the hair body system can be considered “traditional,” with a moderate evidence rating, primarily based on its nutritional content and its historical use rather than robust scientific validation.
Other ingredients that support Hair
amino acidsashwagandha
bamboo
biotin
bovine gelatin
ceramides
collagen
copper
fish oil
fish protein
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gelatin
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
horsetail
iron
kelp
l-cysteine
l-cystine
l-lysine
l-methionine
l-proline
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
pollen
polypeptide complex (proprietary)
protein
pumpkin
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rosemary
sage
saw palmetto
selenium
silicon
keratin
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
seaweed
zinc
zinc
lingzhi
sunflower
trace minerals
wheat germ
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
bladderwrack
Argan nut oil
Alkanna
Animal protein
Black Seed
Babchi
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
Curry leaf
Cetearyl alcohol
Chinese Fleeceflower
Cymbopogon Martini
Castile Soap
Cystine
DL-Methionine
Drynaria
Egg
Eclipta
Emu Oil
Egg protein
Molasses
Quinoa Protein
Silk protein
Other body systems supported by Bladderwrack (Kelp)
Adrenal GlandsBladder
Circulatory System
Digestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Glandular System
Hair
Immune System
Intestinal System
Joints
Nails
Skin
Thyroid Gland