500 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 60 caps
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Dulse (Palmaria palmata) is a red seaweed native to the North Atlantic and Pacific coasts. It has the highest protein content among common edible seaweeds (up to 25% dry weight) and is exceptionally rich in bioavailable iron, potassium, and antioxidants. It contains a vitamin B12 analogue that may be bioavailable to humans — a critical consideration for vegans.
Dulse's iron is bound to proteins and peptides that enhance absorption compared to inorganic iron salts. The high potassium content (comparable to bananas) supports cardiovascular function and blood pressure regulation. Polyphenols and phycobiliproteins (phycoerythrin, phycocyanin) provide potent antioxidant capacity, scavenging peroxyl radicals and reducing ferric ions. The B12 analogue (cobalamin-like compound) may partially address B12 deficiency in plant-based diets.
Vegans and vegetarians seeking iron and B12 support, individuals with iron-deficiency anemia, those seeking plant-based protein, and people wanting antioxidant protection. Highly relevant for India where 53% of women are anemic and vegetarianism is widespread.
People with hyperkalemia (high blood potassium), those on potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, ACE inhibitors), individuals with kidney disease. Side effects: Very safe at standard doses. High potassium content may be concerning for those with kidney disease or on potassium-sparing diuretics. The B12 analogue may not fully replace true B12 for deficiency treatment.
A plain-English read of the literature behind this supplement. Not a clinical recommendation.
Key citations: PMID 11595611 (Seaweed nutritional value — highest protein content among 3 species), PMID 10381615 (Antioxidant capacity of Palmaria palmata extracts), PMID 33084689 (Gut microbiota modulation by seaweed polysaccharides)
SacredBod's longer take on Dulse Red Algae — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
Dulse — Palmaria palmata — is the protein king of the seaweed world. With up to 25% protein by dry weight, it outperforms most other edible algae and provides a complete amino acid profile along with exceptionally bioavailable iron.
A 2024 comparative nutritional analysis (PMID 11595611) evaluated three seaweeds and found Palmaria palmata had the highest protein content (25.78%) — significantly exceeding Chondrus crispus and Ascophyllum nodosum. It was also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (23.26%), potassium, iron, and polyphenols including p-coumaric acid and gallic acid with demonstrated antioxidant capacity.
A 2020 study (PMID 10381615) measured the antioxidant capacity of dulse extracts using ORAC and FRAP assays. Water-soluble extracts showed consistent peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (~30–56 μmol TE/g) across different harvest seasons, indicating stable antioxidant potential regardless of when the seaweed is collected. The drying process at 40°C did not significantly degrade antioxidant activity.
The vitamin B12 analogue in dulse has been detected in multiple studies and may contribute to B12 status in vegetarians, though its bioavailability compared to true cobalamin remains under investigation.
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