Fucoidan: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is fucoidan used for?

Fucoidan is a type of supplement that contains sulfated polysaccharides. This substance is usually found in species of brown algae (brown algae) and several types of marine animals.

Sulfate polysaccharides have various health benefits, so it is processed into supplements. Fucoidan supplements come in capsules, and they also come in syrup form.

This supplement is usually used to help meet daily nutritional needs. Not only that, fucoidan supplements are also believed to be able to overcome inflammation and increase the immune system.

Health conditions that can be treated using fucoidan

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which joints ache due to mild inflammation. This inflammation is usually caused by friction that occurs between the bones that make up the joints. This condition usually affects the elderly, but that doesn't mean it can't attack you.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the immune system attacking itself because the immune system is too reactive. This causes joint inflammation and causes pain and swelling in the joints so that the joints feel stiff.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease related to the immune system. This condition occurs when nerve cells in the brain and spine are affected by the immune system.

When experiencing this condition, myelin becomes inflamed, interfering with nerve signals and causing damage to the basic nerve fibers.

Autoimmune myocarditis

This condition occurs when the immune system attacks proteins in the heart muscle, which can increase complications of lupus or a dangerous viral infection.

Inflammation of the intestine

Inflammation of the intestine is an autoimmune disorder that causes the intestines to become inflamed so that the stomach hurts and triggers diarrhea, as well as the risk of colon cancer.

Apart from being used to treat health problems related to inflammation and autoimmunity, fucoidan can also be used to treat allergies.

This supplement can also be used as an anticoagulant or to inhibit blood clotting, anti-tumor, anti-thrombosis or inhibit the formation of blood clots, antivirals, antioxidants, and immunomodulators, namely to increase the body's defense mechanism.

This supplement is also often associated with its use to treat cancer, although it is not certain how it works in the body. Given that fucoidan is a type of supplement, you can buy fucoidan freely in pharmacies even though it is not accompanied by a doctor's prescription.

How is fucoidan used?

Before using fucoidan, there are a number of things you should know, pay attention to, and do when using this nutritional supplement. Some of these include:

• Use this supplement according to the instructions for use on the supplement packaging or container. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• This supplement can be consumed on an empty stomach or when the stomach is filled with food.
• This supplement is best taken in the morning, afternoon, or evening.
• Do not use fucoidan in excess, either less or more.
• If you are using a syrup preparation, use a measuring spoon to measure the dose of the medication. Avoid using a regular spoon because it does not necessarily match the dosage. If you do not have a measuring spoon, ask your pharmacist.

How do I store fucoidan?

As with other medicines and supplements, this supplement has storage procedures that you must follow, as follows.

• This supplement is best stored at room temperature.
• Keep this supplement away from exposure to sunlight or direct light.
• Also keep this supplement away from air or damp places. Do not store it in extremely hot and cold places as this may damage this supplement.
• Keep this supplement out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
• Do not store these supplements and drugs in the bathroom.
• Don't also store it frozen in the freezer.
• This supplement is circulating in various brands. Certain brands may have different storage methods.

If this supplement has been deprecated or has expired, you must dispose of it with the proper disposal procedures for drugs and supplements.

Do not flush this supplement in toilets or drains. Do not also dispose of it together with other household waste for safety and environmental health.

If you are unsure about how to dispose of medicines safely, ask your pharmacist or staff from your local waste disposal agency about the correct and safe way to dispose of medicinal products and supplements.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for fucoidan for adults?

The dosage of fucoidan varies depending on the brand of drug that is used.

Fucotrap dosage for adults

• 50 milligram (mg) capsule, taken twice daily
• 100 mg capsule, taken once daily

Mozuku dosage for adults

• Capsules: 1 capsule taken twice a day.
• Syrup: 1 teaspoon consumed twice a day.

Sancoidan dose for adults

• Capsules: 1 capsule taken three times a day

Fastro dosage for adults

• Capsules: 1 capsule taken once a day.

Fucohelix dosage

• Capsules: 1 capsule, 50 mg, taken twice daily or 100 mg orally once a day.
• Syrup: 15 milliliters (mL) taken once daily.

What is the dose of fucoidan for children?

It is not known whether fucoidan should be consumed by children or not. Therefore, the dosage of this supplement for children has not been determined.

If you are going to give this nutritional supplement to your child, make sure that you have discussed it with the doctor first. Find out the benefits and potential risks of using fucoidan in children. Only use this supplement if the benefits outweigh the risks.

How is fucoidan available?

This supplement is available in various types: capsules, tablets, and syrups.

• Fucotrap: 50 mg capsule
• Mozuku: 50 mg tablet
• Fastro: 100 mg capsule
• Fucohelix: 50-100 mg capsule, 90 mL syrup

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of using fucoidan?

Slightly different from drugs in general, this supplement has a smaller risk of side effects of use. However, this does not rule out that using this supplement can cause certain side effects. There are several side effects that you should watch out for, such as the following.

• Diarrhea
• Allergic reactions, risk for people who have allergies to soy.
• Dizziness, fainting, so that the body bruises easily.
• Continuous blood thinning

You need to know that not everyone experiences the side effects that have been mentioned. In fact, there are people who use supplements and experience no side effects at all.

There are also other side effects that are not mentioned, so if you experience symptoms of side effects after using this supplement, immediately contact your doctor or pharmacist for medical treatment.

Precautions & Warnings

What to know before using fucoidan?

Before you decide to use this supplement, there are a number of things that you should know and understand. Are as follows.

• If you are taking this drug, do not use drugs that are used to thin the blood, such as warfarin and heparin. This is because, as one of the natural substances that can be found in the brown algae plant, this supplement also has blood thinning properties. When taken together, there will be interactions that may increase the side effects of using the supplement or change how the supplement works in your body.
• Use this supplement in the smallest dosage. Don't use it too much because the iodine content in it is quite high. You may experience iodine poisoning if you don't limit your intake.
• If you have high blood pressure, do not use this supplement.
• If you have hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid, you should not take this supplement.
• Since fucoidan is a fiber-rich supplement, you may have more frequent bowel movements or even diarrhea.

Is fucoidan safe to use for pregnant and lactating women?

It is not certain whether this supplement is safe to use for pregnant women and nursing mothers. However, according to the Australian New Zealand Food Standards, consuming too much of this supplement can make you sick easily because of the iodine content in it. So, you should avoid using these supplements and drugs excessively.

To ensure the safety of its use, consult your doctor and pharmacist whether this supplement is safe to use for pregnant and lactating women. Make sure you know the benefits and risks of using it. Only use this supplement if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Interaction

What medicines can interact with fucoidan?

Drug interactions can occur if they are taken at the same time, including possible interactions between fucoidan and other drugs. If interactions do occur, it is possible that the way your medications work changes or the risk of serious side effects increases.

To avoid potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you use (including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products) and consult your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

There are several drugs that you should avoid using together with fucoidan, because if they are taken together there is an increased risk of side effects, for example heparin and warfarin.

Interactions can occur between heparin and warfarin with fucoidan, because fucoidan also has properties that can thin the blood. If taken together with other medicines used to thin the blood, such as heparin and warfarin, there is a higher risk of your body becoming prone to bleeding than before.

Does food or alcohol interact with fucoidan?

As with certain drugs, fucoidan should also not be consumed at mealtimes or when eating certain types of food because interactions may occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco-derived products with certain drugs can also cause interactions. Discuss with your health care professional the use of drugs with food, alcohol, or products derived from tobacco.

What health conditions can interact with fucoidan?

Fucoidan can interact with your health condition. These interactions can worsen health conditions or change how the drug works. It is very important to keep your doctor and healthcare provider informed about all your current health conditions.

There are several health conditions that fucoidan should not interact with. In other words, avoid taking fucoidan if you have one of the following health conditions.

• High blood pressure or hypertension
• Overactive thyroid gland or hyperthyroidism
• Diarrhea. If you have diarrhea, taking this supplement will actually make the condition worse, because fucoidan is rich in fiber. This fiber will actually facilitate your digestive process so that your diarrhea will get worse.
• Low blood pressure or hypotension. Using these supplements and drugs can make you prone to dizziness, bruising easily, and even fainting.

Overdose

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. To prevent overdosage, use fucoidan according to the rules of use. Don't overuse it.

What should I do when I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this nutritional supplement, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it turns out that when you are about to take the missed dose, it is time to tell you to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your usual dosing schedule.

Do not double your dose, as a double dose will not guarantee that you will experience the benefits of fucoidan any sooner than not doubling it. Also, you do not know whether doubling the dose will not increase the risk of side effects from using this supplement or not.

Always consult your doctor about the dosage of supplement use, because the doctor who checks your condition will know more about using the dose that is more appropriate and in accordance with your health condition.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.