Dulse: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

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 & Effectiveness

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.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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

Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Dulse
Dulse 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 Dulse
The 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 Dulse
Amiodarone 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.
Medications for an overactive thyroid (Antithyroid drugs) interacts with Dulse
Dulse 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.

Minor Interaction

Be watchful with this combination

Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) interacts with Dulse
Dulse 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 Dulse
Dulse 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 Dulse
Dulse 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.

View References

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.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Dulse - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Dulse

Thyroid hormone interacts with Dulse

Amiodarone (Cordarone) interacts with Dulse

Medications for an overactive thyroid (Antithyroid drugs) interacts with Dulse

Minor Interaction

Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) interacts with Dulse

Medications for high blood pressure (Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) interacts with Dulse

Water pills (Potassium-sparing diuretics) interacts with Dulse

Dosing