Costaria costata

BotanicalSeaweed

What is it

Costaria costata is a brown seaweed native to the northern Pacific Ocean, sometimes used in East Asian foods and as a source ingredient in supplements for fucoidan and iodine content.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Fucoidan and seaweed polysaccharide intake (research stage)

Mixed Evidence

Promising laboratory and animal research on fucoidan, but human evidence specific to Costaria costata is essentially absent.

How it works

Like other brown algae, Costaria costata contains fucoidan (sulfated polysaccharides) and alginate fibers, as well as iodine. Fucoidan has anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and immune-modulating effects in laboratory and animal studies. Human clinical data specifically on Costaria costata are sparse; most fucoidan and brown seaweed research uses other species (Undaria, Laminaria, Fucus).

Dosage

There is no established dose. Seaweed extracts in supplements typically provide a few hundred milligrams per day.

When and how to take it

No specific timing. Follow product label.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dried seaweed extract

Used in supplement blends and as a food.

Polysaccharides poorly absorbed; iodine bioavailable

Safety

Brown seaweed extracts contain iodine, which can affect thyroid function with high or chronic intake. Heavy metal accumulation (arsenic, cadmium) can vary by source.

Who should be cautious

People with thyroid disorders should be careful with high-iodine seaweed products. Avoid in pregnancy unless iodine intake is monitored. People on warfarin or other anticoagulants should consult a clinician.

Interactions

Fucoidan has mild anticoagulant effects in laboratory studies and could theoretically interact with blood thinners at high doses. Iodine intake can affect thyroid medication dosing.

Food sources

Costaria costata (whole seaweed, traditional Asian cuisines)

Amount
varies
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Does Costaria costata contain a lot of iodine?⌄

Brown seaweeds vary widely in iodine content. Check product testing if iodine is a concern for you.

How is it different from kelp?⌄

Both are brown algae. Kelp typically refers to Laminaria or Macrocystis species. Costaria is a related but different genus.

References

Costaria costata on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Costaria costata on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Costaria costata (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Costaria costata with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.