Fucoxanthin is a substance with serious health potential, but also with a lot of unknown sides. It is one of the most common marine carotenoids, as astaxanthin is more widespread. It is an orange-brown pigment that occurs mainly in brown algae as Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) and Hijiki (Hijikia fusiformis) but can be found in smaller quantities in other marine sources.
Although it is from the group of carotenoids like astaxanthin, it is not essential; it does not get converted into vitamin A in the body and does not affect the levels of the vitamin in the blood. Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid found in brown seaweed. It is being investigated for its fat-burning abilities.
It claimed that reduces fat mass. There was a study has involved 151 overweight women before menopause. The comparison was between women with normal levels of liver fat and others, diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver. The tested product contained 300 mg of brown seaweed extract, with a total concentration of 2.4 mg of Fucoxanthin.
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What Is Fucoxanthin (Seaweed Extract)
Fucoxanthin is a substance with serious health potential, but also with a lot of unknown sides. It is one of the most common marine carotenoids, as astaxanthin is more widespread.
It is an orange-brown pigment that occurs mainly in brown algae as Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) and Hijiki (Hijikia fusiformis) but can be found in smaller quantities in other marine sources. Fucoxanthin was initially derived from the brown algae Fucus, Dictyota and Laminaria by Willstätter and Page in 1914.
Although it is from the group of carotenoids like astaxanthin, it is not essential; it does not get converted into vitamin A in the body and does not affect the levels of the vitamin in the blood. You can also see it at the market for dietary supplements as advertised primarily as a substance supporting weight loss, but this is not its only advantage.
Metabolism and Action Mechanism
There is a lack of research on humans and that prevents Fucoxanthin to be more recommended. Only one study of 16 weeks duration, which has been focused on the health benefits of the pigment, has been currently conducted.
The study has involved 151 overweight women before menopause. The comparison was between women with normal levels of liver fat and others, diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver.
The tested product was with the patented name Xanthigen, which is a combination of 300 mg of pomegranate seed oil and 300 mg of brown seaweed extract, with a total concentration of 2.4 mg of Fucoxanthin.
The results were more than satisfactory and it is important to note that the study was not sponsored and has no connection with the company that makes the tested product.
1) The participants with normal levels of liver fat have reduced their:
- weight by an average of 4.9 kg;
- fat levels by an average of 3.6 kg;
- triglyceride levels;
- the levels of C-reactive protein;
- blood pressure of 128/93mmHG 112/77mmHG.
2) The participants with a diagnosed nonalcoholic fatty liver have reduced their:
- weight by an average of 5.5 kg;
- fat levels by an average of 3.5 kg;
- triglyceride levels;
- the levels of C-reactive protein;
- blood pressure of 138 91mmHG 119/79mmHG;
- waistline;
- levels of liver enzymes.
The base metabolism has been measured in 41 of the participants at the beginning of the examination. At the end of the study, a significant increase was reported.
How Can We Obtain Fucoxanthin
Fucoxanthin can be found as a dietary supplement. You will notice seaweed extract in the products. The type of algae, from which the extract is derived, maybe or may not be indicated.
When choosing a product, watch for the name or the amount of Fucoxanthin in a dose or the percentage of a carotenoid extract of the total dose.
Recommended Dosage and a Way of Intake
In a study, conducted on people, the positive effects have been observed only at a dose of 2.4 mg of Fucoxanthin daily, but not with lower doses. We recommend that you stick with doses ranging from 2.5 to 6 mg daily, since with higher one's safety is not yet clear.
As a fat-soluble substance for optimal absorption, Fucoxanthin should be taken with food containing at least little fat.
As a dietary supplement, it can be combined very well with fish oils, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) or oil from pomegranate seeds.
Safety and Possible Side Effect
The studied doses of up to 5 mg of Fucoxanthin per day have no side effects.
Further Readings:
Last Updated on June 27, 2024 by Kaira
