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Algin

Other Name(s):

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.

Overview

Algin is a type of carbohydrate found in brown seaweeds. It is also produced by some bacteria. Algin is used to make medicine.

Algin is used to lower cholesterol levels and to reduce the amount of heavy chemicals including strontium, barium, tin, cadmium, manganese, zinc, and mercury that are taken up by the body. Algin is also used for the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure.

In foods, algin is used in candy, gelatins, puddings, condiments, relishes, processed vegetables, fish products, and imitation dairy products.

In manufacturing, algin is used as a binding agent in tablets, as a binding and soothing agent in throat lozenges, and as a film in peel-off facial masks.

How does it work?

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

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Lowering cholesterol.
  • Lowering blood pressure.
  • Decreasing the amount of the certain heavy chemicals taken up (absorption) by the body. These chemicals include strontium, barium, tin, cadmium, manganese, and zinc.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of algin for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

Algin seems to be LIKELY SAFE when used in food amounts. However, the safety of larger medicinal amounts is not known.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Dried algin is LIKELY UNSAFE when inserted into the cervix to induce labor, as it has been linked with serious adverse effects. Not enough is known about the use of algin during pregnancy when taken by mouth or when used in any form during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

Algin is 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 decrease how much medication your body absorbs, and decrease the effectiveness of your medication. To prevent this interaction, take algin at least one hour after medications you take by mouth.

Dosing

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.