title: [Fucus vesiculosus induced hyperthyroidism in a patient undergoing concomitant treatment with lithium].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fucus vesiculosus is a marine alga rich in iodine, which is being used in alternative medicine as a laxative, diuretic, and as a complement for weight loss diets.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report the case of a 60-year old male patient, diagnosed with bipolar disorder and under treatment with lithium concomitantly with a herbal preparation, including Fucus vesiculosus, as a laxative. He developed hyperthyroidism that remitted once the herbal preparation was withdrawn.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fucus vesiculosus may cause hyperthyroidism given its high iodine content. Herbal preparations should be taken in account when treating a patient due to the possibility of adverse effects and interactions with other drugs.
authors: Unidad de Salud Mental Hospital de Laredo, Cantabria.
authors: Beatriz
authors: B
authors: Arbaizar
authors: Javier
authors: J
authors: Llorca
mesh_terms: D044645:Fucus; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000139:chemically induced*; D018020:Lithium Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D018020:Lithium Compounds