Duckweed

Botanical

What is it

Duckweed refers to several small floating aquatic plants in the Lemnaceae family, including Lemna minor, Spirodela polyrhiza, and Wolffia species. Wolffia is sometimes called water lentil and is consumed as a food in parts of Southeast Asia.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Plant protein source

Limited Evidence

Small trials of Wolffia globosa show it can serve as a high-protein plant food with effects on satiety and cardiometabolic markers similar to other leafy greens.

How it works

Duckweed is exceptionally protein-dense for a plant, with some species containing 30 to 45 percent protein by dry weight and a complete amino acid profile. It also provides B vitamins, including a vitamin B12 analog whose bioactivity in humans is debated. Wolffia globosa is an emerging plant protein source studied in small trials for cardiometabolic effects. Results suggest comparable nutritional value to other leafy greens with notably higher protein density.

Dosage

There is no established daily intake recommendation. Wolffia-based food products are often consumed at 25 to 50 g of fresh plant per serving.

When and how to take it

Duckweed is consumed as a food in regular meals. There is no specific supplement-style timing.

2 commercial forms

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

Wolffia (water lentil) powder

Increasingly available as a powder for smoothies and shakes.

Plant protein readily absorbed.

Spirodela polyrhiza extract

Traditional use for skin conditions and fever; modern human evidence limited.

Used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Safety

Wolffia is widely consumed in Southeast Asia as a food and is generally regarded as safe. People considering duckweed for vitamin B12 should know that the predominant B12 form in duckweed may be a partially inactive analog; reliable B12 sources include animal foods or supplemented forms.

Who should be cautious

Wild-harvested duckweed can accumulate contaminants from the water it grows in; commercial sources should test for heavy metals and microbiological safety. Otherwise, no specific consumer cautions at food intakes.

Interactions

No significant medication interactions reported at typical food intakes.

Food sources

Wolffia (cooked)

Amount
1/2 cup
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Can duckweed provide vitamin B12?⌄

Some duckweed contains a vitamin B12 analog, but its bioactivity in humans is debated. Do not rely on duckweed as a sole B12 source.

Is duckweed safe to eat?⌄

Commercially grown duckweed (such as water lentil) is safe when harvested from clean systems. Avoid wild duckweed due to water contamination risk.

References

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

Research on Duckweed (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Duckweed with Pilora

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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.