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Polysaccharides: including alginic acid, fucane, fucoidan, and laminarin.
Iodine.
Herbal adverse events:
Contra-indications, Warnings:
-The iodine content in kelp may cause hyper- or hypothyroidism (risk of
developing a thyroid dysfunction even in the absence of pre-existing thyroid
disease.
-Hyperthyroidism has been associated with the ingestion of kelp seaweed and
is attributable to its iodine.
-Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (tachycardia, anxiety, insomnia, weight loss,
sweating, fatigue, frequent soft stools).
Remarks on phytotherapeutics for weight loss:
• Weight-loss supplements are not recommended as a safe or effective
treatment for weight loss due to lack of comprehensive clinical studies
(none is FDA approved).
• The anti-obesity treatment using the potent plant individually is
superior to using it in combination with other plants.
• The consumption of anti-obesity plants in a combination formula, could
also produce unexpected side-effects.
• lifestyle modifications (food and physical activity) should be initiated
first in a patient interested in weight loss followed by pharmacotherapy
that is FDA approved.
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