Supplement

Laminaria japonica seaweed (kombu) + probiotics

Supplement.

How to take it

There is no established standard dose for this case; it is advisable to consult a professional.

Safety

Seaweed provides a lot of iodine: watch out with the thyroid

Effect by goal · level of evidence

Gut microbiota

improves microbiota (no symptom change) Low trial (RCT, n=40) (A)

The combination of Laminaria japonica seaweed with probiotics increased several beneficial bacteria (lactobacilli) in the gut compared with placebo (RCT, n=40, 4 weeks), BUT did not improve digestive symptoms or quality of life. It changes the microbiota without a clear clinical translation.

View the study (trial (RCT, n=40)) →

In depth

Supplement · Highest evidence: Low · 1 finding

⚠️ seaweed provides a lot of iodine: be careful with the thyroid

Findings

Gut microbiota — improves microbiota (no symptomatic change) (Low, trial (RCT, n=40)). The combination of Laminaria japonica seaweed with probiotics increased several beneficial bacteria (lactobacilli) in the gut versus placebo (RCT, n=40, 4 weeks), BUT it did not improve digestive symptoms or quality of life. It changes the microbiota without a clear clinical translation. 24456357

Information, not medical advice. Prescription drugs require a doctor.

Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.