Have you experienced any side effects with Fucoxanthin or fucoThin?
I was just reviewing some comments here at Fucoxanthin.info, and noticed two recent ones asking if anyone else has experienced any side effects with fucoxanthin or Fucothin (a name brand of fucoxanthin). Both of these comments are noteworthy because they only correlation they could find with new symptoms was the time they started taking Fucoxanthin. One had heart palpatations and the other experienced a rapid heart beat and blurred vision (could it be a small percentage of the population is allergic at least to some degree?). And in the case of Brooke, the symptoms stopped when she stopped taking fucoxanthin, and started again when she started again. We aren’t drawing any conclusions yet, but very interesting. Have you had any side effects? Do you feel fucoxanthin or fucothin worked or is working for you?
June Says:
April 9th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I have been taking Fucoxanthin for 7 weeks. I started with palpations about 3 weeks ago. Could this be causing them? 650 mcg. of iodine and 1000 mg. of seaweed. I take them every day. This is the only new thing I have added to my diet. Thanks, June
Brooke Says:
April 25th, 2008 at 1:44 am
I started taking fucoaxanthin about 6 weeks ago. I have had vision issues (blurring and seeing spots) since taking it (my eyesight is fine normally). Any known side affects regarding vision? When I stopped taking the supplement a few weeks ago, the vision issues also subsided. Began taking fucoaxanthin again today - my vision has become very strange – seeing spots, once ‘again.’ Anyone else with this weird side affect?
PS I also had an elevated heart rate with this product – I assumed it was the ‘fat burning magic’ doing its job (I did loose 8 pounds in 2 weeks however). BTW: I am a very healthy 32 year old who works out almost everyday my entire life and am rarely if ever ill - so having a side effect to a natural supplement is kind of strange…
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Let us know if you have had any side effects, and how effective you found fucoxanthin to be.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
NOW I know why I have had a floater (spot) in my eye during the time I’ve been taking this product (although I don’t remember the “time-connection,” as I didn’t record when “received” the floater vs. when I started Focothin. I AM going to test it, by stopping product, to see if it disappears, like other instance above. Almost finished with the bottle.
AND, now that you mention some blurring, I hadn’t connected that either with use of Fucothin, but I’ve definitely had it–especially noticeable when reading.
SO thankful the Lord led me to this link before ordering any more!!!!
It may have been effective, but–if connected–is definitely not worth it (plus the HIGH cost).
May 2nd, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I’ve been taking Focuslim for about 4 days now, and as of yet have not had any side effects. As for the heart palipatations, take a look at the bottle your pills came in. Does it have Green Tea? If so, that is caffeine, so if you aren’t used to ingesting stuff with caffiene, or you are still drinking coffees, teas, sodas or any other things with caffiene that may explain the increased heart rate and palipatations. My bottle indicates that other forms of caffience should be avoided while using the product.
I’m usually skeptical about supplements that say to avoid caffience consumption, because I typically am a caffiene junky. With this product, I’ve cut my caffiene in half, and there was even a day that I skipped it all togther and I didnt’ experience any withdrawal headaches or fog. Plus on this product, I have a ton more energy, am thinking clearer and am able to fall asleep at night, which is usually not the case when I take these types of supplements.
May 13th, 2008 at 1:45 am
June - Kelp contains a lot of iodine, so I wouldn’t take a kelp extract AND and an iodine supplement. In fact you probably don’t need the iodine supplement even without the kelp. Iodine is a necessary nutrient for thyroid function, USDA recommends 150mcg/day, you may be getting ten times that or more - it can be toxic at high doses. In the developed world iodine deficiency is rare since our salt is iodized, the only medically recommended use of high dose iodine is short-term supplements for people who are exposed to radioactive fallout, as having high doses of (normal) orally iodine prevents the body from absorbing the radioactive iodine produced in a bomb blast.
May 14th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
I have been taking Fucothin for 2 months, with no side effects. then out of the blue I started having the symptoms of a panic attack–heart palpatations, tingling in my hands and arms, etc. I thought I was having a stroke or a heart attack, and went to the ER. Nothing was wrong with me. It keeps happening, without any warning. I read up on panic attacks and allergies were thought to be a big cause, especially caffeine. I stopped drinking coffee, but the attack happened again. The only thing new in my diet was the Fucothin. On the day I forgot to take the Fucothin I was fine, but the next day I had an attack about 2 hours after taking it. So, I’m going to stop it and see what happens.
June 7th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I am a trained clinical Pharmacologist in the areas of PsychoPharmacology,NeuroPharmacology and therapeutic Pharmacology.
Iodine at 650mcg is not good to take for a long time and in some cases
it could be fatal, as it appears effects the cerebrovascular activities including adrenergic activities and that could be what many people are
experiencing.
Unless we have clinical proof of trying this one in controlled trials anywhere
in the world, as for me I will not buy anything if I donot know how it produces the effects claimed, the biological half life of the compound and how it is eliminated from the body.
Oflate I started seeing advertisements and I tried one of the similar compounds from some other source as recommended for 3 weeks that is fair enough time for the compound to show effect to some extent, if whether it shows effects, it is questionable whether it can be retained without the risk of dependence.
While I responding and writing this comment, I am returning the capsule
which the manufacturer coveredup with nice agreeable smell, but no effect or side effects on me. I tried it for abdominal fat that is what is called in
Pharmacology responsible for weightgain and associated symptoms in people without any gender difference.
This comment has been carefully drafted, and anyone who reads has to make judgement for themselves and donot depend on somebody else to
make a decision for you.
Dr.R.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I am just about finished with my first bottle of Fucothin. I was only taking 1-2 capsules/day and not really seeing any results, which I already knew, as the product website said it may be 6 weeks before any results are seen. About 2 weeks ago I started taking 3/day. the directions say 1-3/day and may increase to 3/3 times daily. Of course since it is quite expensive I was very conservative when I started. I the past week, I have started to see a decrease in my weight, about 4 lbs. I have been very busy working (I’m a nurse in a rehab unit so I do get SOME exercise!) but have not regular scheduled exercise. I haven’t really changed my diet either since it was pretty good to start with. I am looking to lose 25 or more lbs.
I have started experiencing what seems to be heart palpitations when I really exert myself. Like working outside pushing a wheelbarrow. And sometimes when I lean down and stand up straight quickly. Almost like a drop in blood pressure?? Of course, I always think the worse! Heat stroke, stroke, heart attack! When I sit or lay down, it goes away. As Gail says above it was almost like a panic attack this morning when I was working outside. I really scared me. I am 45 and entering menopause so I’ve been monitoring myself for all the “aging” symptoms! The only thing different recently is the Fucothin.
I have been overweight for probably 10 years (after 2 kids, gallbladder surgery and hitting mid 30’s!) I was a member of Curves for women for almost 3 years and saw inches lost but never any more than a pound or 2 weight loss. It has been very frustrating since I know it is VERY important to get the weight off to prevent future health issues. I tried something with ephedra in it many years ago but had bad side effects. This almost reminds me of that?? Most of my weight loss tries have been with diet and exercise programs without a whole lot of success. So far, Fucothin is the only thing I’ve tried that has had any effect at all. I actually feel pretty good and energetic most of the time since taking it. I take a number of other dietary supplements, a multivit, glucosomine, primrose oil capsules, vit. C. I don’t drink sodas or other junky drinks. I make my own homebrewed green tea/blueberry iced tea, (yeah, I know it does have caffeine) and I drink a good bit of water. I eat organic when I can and not a whole lot of red meat. (one of my teen daughters is a vegetarian)
My plan is to cut back on the fucothin but not totally stop it. I hate to give up when I’m finally seeing some results. I will post again if I have a positive result in decreasing the fucothin or any changes.
Thanks for all previous comments!
Good luck!
Lisa
June 23rd, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I have been on Fucoxanthin-Slim made by Life Extension for four weeks. For the past 3 weeks I have experienced severe hot flashes throughout the day. I also wake up covered with sweat 4 or 5 times a night. Since I am of peri-menopausal age, I thought it was just my time. Then one day, I left the Fucoxanthin at home and did not take it. I only experienced slight hot flashes that day. I skipped the next day and it dawned on me it was the Fucoxanthin that was over heating me. I am only about 10 pounds overweight so it seems strange that I would be so affected by this natural supplement. I honestly felt like there was a furnace inside me. I was taking 600 mg a day and was about 2 pounds lighter than I usually am. I have not changed anything else in my diet or activity. I was just starting to see results but I can honestly say the side effects are not worth it. Am I taking too much? I also experienced blurred vision in one eye on and off. Does anyone have any advice for me? Has anyone experienced the same side effcts? Thanks.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Hi all - here’s a bit of advice from a health nut:
For those struggling with a weight issues, and have made many concerted attempts with diet and exercise but aren’t seeing results - I highly, highly suggest cutting or minimizing sugar, white carbs and alcohol from your diet, if you haven’t done that yet. Sugar is a toxic substance for the body and packs on pounds and excess water weight, and white carbs and alcoholic drinks are bascially the same as eating sugar. Also, in our society with the typical diet, taking probiotics (such as BioK or ThreeLac, not supposedly probiotic yogurt with sucrose added) and Omega3 supplements are so important because our digestive systems are weak due to antiobotics (horrible stuff that kills good bacteria in your gut) and overly processed food (nutrient-deprived).
I could go on, but these are the fundamentals - !
About taking high levels of iodine, that is harmful for your body because it can make the thyroid gland go into overdrive, causing hyperthyrodism. It seems to be that the comments above from people expressing concern about this fucoxanthin product are experiencing hyperthyrodism.
Just my thoughts, after many years of educating myself and researching, connecting with various naturopathic professionals and also through trial and error, dealing with health issues years ago I managed to overcome.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
P.s. The reason for the weight loss on fucoxanthin is because you are stimulating your thyroid gland to unsafe levels. My suggestion is to do a google on hypothyroidism symptoms….
August 9th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I am hypothyroid and iodine helps your thyroid to work more efficently not to mention that iodine has many functions in the body do a search on the internet and check out symptoms of hypothyroid and iodine deficency symptoms and hyperthyroid, since the thyroid is part of the fat burning system (metabolism) it would make you feel extra warm with iodine which is in seaweed which is fuco stuff. We all want to lose weight too rapidly, try dosing lower on the fuco or discontinue if it still bothers you, it should have a warning on the bottle if you take thyroid meds. I took a product called iodoral ( which is iodine with my thyroid med armour) when I first started armour and it gave me the same symptoms of numbness and tingling in my left arm only, no rapid heartbeat tho. The iodoral did help with eyes being sensitive to light. I think a lot of people have thyroid problems and dont know it, the medical society is changing their views on thyroid problems one of which is problems losing weight.. Hope this helps. Namaste
August 15th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I started taking fucoxanthin about 2 weeks ago…3 times a day as suggested on the package. I have about 20 lbs of belly fat that I have never been able to lose since giving birth to my son 8 + yrs ago and I am in my mid-40s.
I have Hashimoto’s disease (hypothyroidism) and spoke with the herbalist at the healthfood store where I purchased it, who suggested it would be good for me because of the iodine.
This morning I decided to do a search on the side effects of the product because the past 3 days my face has been very swollen. I am also taking Golden Seal root right now, so I am not sure if the swelling could be from that also (but I don’t think so)?
Now I am wondering if I am taking too much of a risk with this product.
I don’t want to cause my thyroid to be overstimulated and go the other way. Any advice would be appreciated.
September 15th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Is there a pill without the iodine?
I found this on this website: http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/fucoxanthin.htm
Side Effects
Because there hasn’t been research on fucoxanthin in humans, the possible side effects aren’t known.
People shouldn’t consume large amounts of wakame or other types of seaweed as a source of fucoxanthin. Seaweed is rich in iodine and excessive consumption may result in iodine poisoning. High levels of iodine can interfere with the function of the thyroid gland. Also, consuming excess amounts of iodine-rich foods isn’t recommended if there is a known allergy or hypersensitivity to iodine.
September 19th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I had quit using Fucothin after having taken it some time, and happened to check this website, since I was having symptoms, including blurring of eyes, and seeing floaters. When I noted that others were experiencing the same things, I stopped the Fucothin for many months, but the symptoms did not go away. Having read some encouraging things here (and on other websites) concerning the help others were getting with Fucoxanthin, I started taking another brand, which I have been on for about a month now, and I appear to be GAINING weight–does this make sense to anyone who has been on this product, and understands how it works? One thought I had is that it appears to promote DHA formation, and I am also taking a DHA supplement. Have to wonder if I’m getting too many Omega 3 fats.
Any comments/suggestions on this that might help?
Laura
September 23rd, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I was diagnosed with diverticulosis a few years ago, and for the last couple of years I had noticed a feeling which I can only describe as nausea (although it was not in the stomach but in the intestine) whenever I forgot to take my daily dose of fiber. It was entirely specific to leaving out the fiber for a day or two; I never got it otherwise. Since I have always had a good deal of abdominal fat, fucoxanthin seemed sent from Heaven, and by the time I’d finished my first bottle, I noticed I never had that nauseated feeling any more, even though I forgot the fiber as often as ever. This has continued, and I have not had any adverse side effects from the fucoxanthin (although that might be because I probably don’t have any natural thyroid activity left; I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis nine years ago.)
September 26th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I’ve lost 6 pounds during the last week and a half, taking 6 fucothins a day and also the standard dose of hoodia from desert burn. I’ve never used any diet supplements before, believing that they were all stimulant-based. Before this year I have always been able to keep my weight down just through diet and exercise, and I’ve had the willpower to cut out caffeine, refined sugar, and alcohol. However I’ve had some emotional eating issues recently and have started to gain weight. I work out every day and my willpower is awesome, but regardless - my baseline is to eat about 1800 calories a day whether I think I’m “on a diet” or not. On the combination of hoodia and fucothin, I’m eating about 1300 calories a day. I have eating on my mind just as much, I can’t miraculously go through the day without thinking about it, because it’s a bit of a psychological addiction at this point. But even though I think about it, I don’t eat very much at all. And I don’t feel tired or run down, or sad, I can still function, which in my experience would be impossible without the supplements.
September 30th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I started using Natures Benefit Fucoselean and didn’t realize that the rapid heart rate and shortness of breath was connected, till on the 4th day I was at work and was typing on the computer and it became severe. I looked at the clock and the area was closing in with gray from the outside in. I was experiencing numbness and tingling in my fingers and sharp pains going down my arms. I work in a health food store so I got up and walked up front and grabbed a bottle of capsicum extract and started sipping on it. This pattern would worsen and subside in 20 min intervals and so the 3rd time, they called 911 for me thinking it was a heart attack.
After being monitored for 4 hours and the episodes happening 4 more times my blood pressure bottomed out and they admitted me for observation, not knowing what was going on since all my test were coming back normal.
They put my allergy band on me which includes iodine (I’ve never had a problem with food only the dye they inject you with). I decide to kick back and enjoy my rest and when they bring dinner with out thinking I take my supplements that are in my pocket. Well as soon as they hit my mouth and I see the allergy band, I remember the symptoms were just like when I had the attack from the dye reading. Sure enough 2.5 hours later they started all up again. Only now I do yoga breathing thru the symptoms since I know what they are and I’m not stressed by what they appeared to be earlier, I did call the nurse for a reading of my heart rate and they said 92 it’s normal.(yeh right my resting would be more like 68, and they never even came and checked on me) I was so glad I figured it out, since I would never had believed it was the seaweed product since I eat seaweed almost daily and have never had a problem.
December 30th, 2008 at 8:02 am
I’ve been taking NSI fucoxanthin and Life Extention Irvingia to try to lose weight. I don’t think I have lost any, but my heart feels like it is pounding a lot. I also started pumpkin seed oil extract a few weeks before these others for something else. I am stopping the NSI fucoxanthin and Irvingia to see if the increased heartbeat feeling goes away. I don’t know if the combination is bad or just one of them is but this feeling doesn’t feel good. The NSI product is a combo product and only has 5 mg. of the fucothanthin in it (the seaweed) and I was only taking 2 or 3 pills a day.
February 13th, 2009 at 11:23 am
I was taking fucoxanthin products for three weeks before I started experincing my issues. My legs have a general feeling of weakness and numbness in my feet, that wont go away. My husband hasnt been taking it as long as me, but he started to feel tingling in his big toes, he stopped taking it too. My heart rate has been higher than normal as well. There must be something more to these products than the general population is aware of. It seems to be dangerous to some people.
March 1st, 2009 at 6:18 am
I felt great on the this product. I was also taking Moducare — I started both at the same time. The moducare balances the immune system (though it can increase killer cells). After about 6 months on this protocol, I had my thyroid tested (I have autoimmune thyroiditis). My T4 levels were WAY out of range, which has never happened in 20 years, and my TSH level was practically non-existent. My thyroid nodule enlarged. I did have heart palpitations, but that would be consistent with hyperthyroid.
My guess is that the fucoxanthin was primarily responsonible. I had taken the Moducare before, and there is no reason how it could raise my T4 level. My doc decreased my thyroid levels.
I stopped both products, and two months later I’m back to being hypothyroid with a TSH that over twice what it should be.
I had no tingling though…..
March 7th, 2009 at 3:25 am
I have been taking fucoxanthin for about 2 weeks. I stoped because I started having tingling in my hands and severe leg and ankle swelling.
I stoped the pills and it went away.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:43 am
I found this website googling Fucothin hypothyroid. I take Synthroid as well and have been taking fucothin for a couple of weeks. The last couple of days I have had episodes of increased heart rate and little pains in my chest. The fucothin is the only new thing I have added to my life and so I too think there is a connection. Guess its time to stop.
March 15th, 2009 at 7:53 am
OMG! I am so glad for this site and the opportunity to share my experience from about a year or so ago…
I felt like I was having a heart attack on Fucothin! I took it only as directed and only for 2 days, and once I stopped, as that was the only new thing I was taking, my symptoms stopped! So I am certain it was all about the Fucothin!
I had heart pain, increased high blood pressure, and pain in my arm and neck. Once I stopped, no pain, no symptoms…
How can they say this product is safe, when clearly, symptoms such as these are NOT safe at all!!! DO NOT USE IT!