Dulse
OTHER NAME(S): Creathnach, Dillisk, Dilsk, Red Dulse, Sea Lettuce Flakes, Palmaria palmata, Rhodymenia palmata
Overview
Dulse (Palmaria palmata) is a type of red seaweed. It's found on rocky coasts of Europe, Japan, northeastern US, and Canada. It's sometimes eaten as food.
Dulse is a rich source of iodine, potassium, and protein. It has effects that might reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol.
People use dulse for high cholesterol, iodine deficiency, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse dulse with other types of seaweed, including Ascophyllum nodosum, blue-green algae, and others. These are not the same.
Uses
We currently have no information for Dulse overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Dulse is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if dulse is safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Dulse is possibly safe when used appropriately.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Dulse is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if dulse is safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Dulse is possibly safe when used appropriately.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Dulse is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if dulse is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Kidney problems: Dulse might cause dangerously high potassium levels in people with kidney problems. Don't take dulse if you have kidney problems.
Thyroid problems: Dulse contains large amounts of iodine. This might make thyroid problems worse. Don't take dulse if you have thyroid problems.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Medications for an overactive thyroid (Antithyroid drugs) interacts with DulseDulse contains iodine. Iodine can increase or decrease thyroid function. Taking dulse along with medications for an overactive thyroid might change the effects of these medications.
- Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with DulseDulse contains large amounts of potassium. Large amounts of potassium can increase the effects and side effects of digoxin. Talk to your healthcare provider if you take digoxin.
- Thyroid hormone interacts with DulseThe body naturally produces thyroid hormones. Dulse might increase how much thyroid hormone the body produces. Taking dulse along with thyroid hormone pills might increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormones.
- Amiodarone (Cordarone) interacts with DulseAmiodarone contains iodine. Dulse also contains iodine. Taking dulse along with amiodarone might increase the levels of iodine in the blood. Too much iodine in the blood can cause side effects that affect the thyroid.
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
- Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) interacts with DulseDulse contains large amounts of potassium. Some medications for high blood pressure can increase potassium levels in the blood. Taking dulse along with some medications for high blood pressure might cause too much potassium in the blood.
- Medications for high blood pressure (Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) interacts with DulseDulse contains large amounts of potassium. Some medications for high blood pressure can increase potassium levels in the blood. Taking dulse along with some medications for high blood pressure might cause too much potassium in the blood.
- Water pills (Potassium-sparing diuretics) interacts with DulseDulse contains large amounts of potassium. Some "water pills" can also increase potassium levels in the body. Taking some "water pills" along with dulse might cause potassium levels to become too high.
Dosing
Dulse is commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of dulse might be. 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 a healthcare professional before using.
References
- 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):990-94.
- 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. 2016;55(5):1951-62.
- Millan-Linares MC, Martin ME, Rodriguez NM, et al. Nutraceutical extract from dulse (Palmaria palmata L.) inhibits primary human neutrophil activation. Mar Drugs. 2019;17(11):610.
- 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.
- Galland-Irmouli AV, Fleurence J, Lamghari R, et al. Nutritional value of proteins from edible seaweed Palmaria palmata (dulse). J Nutr Biochem. 1999;10(6):353-9.
- 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.
- Yuan YV, Carrington MF, Walsh NA. Extracts from dulse (Palmaria palmata) are effective antioxidants and inhibitors of cell proliferation in vitro. Food Chem Toxicol. 2005;43(7):1073-81.
- Jørgensen K, Olesen PT. Kainic acid in the seaweed Palmaria palmata (dulse). Food Addit Contam Part B Surveill. 2018;11(3):198-200.
- Campos PMBGM, Benevenuto CG, Calixto LS, Melo MO, Pereira KC, Gaspar LR. Spirulina, Palmaria palmata, Cichorium intybus, and Medicago sativa extracts in cosmetic formulations: an integrated approach of in vitro toxicity and in vivo acceptability studies. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2019;38(4):322-329.
- 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.
- Sato N, Furuta T, Takeda T, et al. Antioxidant activity of proteins extracted from red alga dulse harvested in Japan. J Food Biochem. 2019;43(2):e12709.