Health & Well-Being A-Z

Algin

Algin
Description

Algin is a type of carbohydrate found in brown seaweeds. It is also made by some bacteria. Algin is used as a food additive. It is also used to make certain health products such as tablets, lozenges, and peel-off facial masks. Algin is also as a medicine.

People use algin to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and to reduce the amount of heavy chemicals that are taken up by the body, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Is It Effective?

Effectiveness header

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Insufficient evidence
  • Lowering cholesterol.
  • Lowering blood pressure.
  • Decreasing the amount of the certain heavy chemicals taken up (absorbed) by the body.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of algin for these uses.

Is it Safe?

Action

Algin forms a gel that may lower cholesterol levels by reducing the amount of cholesterol entering the body.

Safety

When taken by mouth: Algin is LIKELY SAFE when used in food amounts. The safety of larger medicinal amounts is unknown.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if algin is safe to use in medicinal amounts when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Drug interactions

Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Algin can form a thick gel. Algin can stick to medications in the stomach and intestines. Taking algin at the same time as medications that you take by mouth can affect how much medication your body absorbs. To prevent this interaction, take algin 30-60 minutes after medications you take by mouth.

Herb interactions

Calcium: Algin, also known as alginate, might slightly reduce the amount of calcium that the body absorbs.
Chromium: Algin, also known as alginate, might reduce the amount of chromium that the body absorbs.
Copper: Algin, also known as alginate, might reduce the amount of copper that the body absorbs.
Iron: Algin, also known as alginate, might impact the amount of iron that the body absorbs.
Strontium: Algin, also known as alginate, binds with strontium and keeps it from being absorbed well by the body. This effect has been used to reduce strontium absorption and toxicity in cases of poisoning, but it might also affect the absorption of strontium supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

The appropriate dose of algin depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for algin. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Other names

Alginate, Alginate de Calcium, Alginate de Magnésium, Alginate de Potassium, Alginate de Sodium, Alginate Salt, Alginates, Alginato, Alginato de Calcio, Alginato de Magnesio, Alginato de Potasio, Alginato de Sodio, Algine, Alginic Acid, Calcium Alginate, Magnesium Alginate, Potassium Alginate, Sodium Alginate.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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