Swanson’s Green Food Fucoidan uses Laminaria japonica and Cystoseira canariensis to get their fucoidan. Cystoseira canariensis is a curious seaweed choice as it has only been studied at high doses (1200 mg) for increasing muscle strength and mass or decreasing fat mass. (31)

Additionally, the company does not openly disclose the source of their fucoidan and are not using an efficacy booster. I spoke with a customer service representative via chat and he indicated that  they source their ingredients from Japan. He did suggest that they test their products for radiation and that their fucoidan is radiation free. Given the latest news on the Fukushima nuclear site, I would still be cautious.

After taking a deeper look into this product, I can see why it is the most economical of all the supplements I reviewed. Their supplement is $20.00 a bottle. Real fuoidan is expensive. The most common way to test if something has fucoidan is to test for the presence of fucose. I’ve lab tested fucoidan supplements from China and found that some contain high levels of glucose (sugar) with little to fucose. To be true fucoidan is has to contain fucose.  When I see fucoidan going for $20.00 a bottle, I know that something is not quite right.

I also wouldn’t recommend Laminaria japonica (kombu) if you have hyperthyroidism or are on a sodium restricted diet. This form of seaweed is known to have incredibly high amounts of iodine; 1 gram of L. japonica contains 2.3mg of iodine. Studies have shown that 2 mg of iodine can result in signs of early hyperthyroidism and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences on dietary intake recommends 1.1 mg of iodine as the maximum daily dosage of iodine. Fucoidan sourced from wakame is a better choice since its lower in iodine and sodium. Look to a produce like Fucoidan Force™. They have the maximum amount of bioactive fucoidan with minimal iodine and sodium.

Conclusion: I know those with existing health issues will be especially vigilant when choosing a fucoidan supplement to make sure it doesn’t have excess iodine. They’ll  make sure their fucoidan comes from wakame seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) and that it also contains additional efficacy boosters. Unfortunately, Swanson’s Green Foods Fucoidan does not provide this.

When you are seeking the best fucoidan, whether it is for health issues or for simple maintenance, I advise you to carefully read all of the supplement data and that, at the very least, make sure it uses Undaria pinnatifida as its primary source for fucoidan. If you want the best of the best, look for a supplement that also includes efficacy boosters (such as an organic mushroom extract) which are proven to enhance the fucoidan to its full potential. On top of all that, you need to be certain that your fucoidan product contains atleast 150 mg of standardized fucoidan to be an effective dose. If the supplement does not meet these criteria, you simply won’t see the results or experience the relief you were hoping for.