Fucoidans explainedFucoidans are non-gelling, fucose-rich polysaccharides found naturally in brown seaweeds. These highly bioactive compounds play both a structural role, being a key component of cell walls, and a defensive one. Fucoidans protect the seaweed against water-borne pathogens, UV light and other environmental challenges.
Fucoidans have different chemical structure and bioactivities depending on the species of seaweed from which they have been derived and the method by which they have been extracted. Fucoidans from the species Undaria pinnatifida (commonly known as wakame) and Fucus vesiculosus (commonly known as bladderwrack) are amongst those that have been most widely studied. High purity extracts from these species are characterised using validated assays that quantify components including molecular weight and the type and content of their structural sugars.
More than 4,000 scientific studies have now been published exploring the efficacy of fucoidan extracts in a diverse range of human health indications and clinical settings. Based on this research, these natural compounds have become sought-after ingredients for nutraceutical formulations targeting gut and digestive health, immune support and healthy inflammatory responses. These multi-functional benefits also see them included in leading healthy ageing and general wellness products.
Nutraceuticals: Spotlight on gut health
In recent years, rapidly expanding scientific research has demonstrated the benefits of fucoidans to gut and digestive health. This research has fuelled the inclusion of fucoidans in market-leading dietary supplements. Fucoidans have shown benefits ranging from balancing the composition of gut flora through to inhibiting the adhesion of harmful bacteria to gastric cells1,2. A recent study utilising faecal samples from healthy human donors showed that supplementation with high purity Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan enriched colonic microbial diversity in vitro3.
Species richness and species evenness were positively enhanced in both the distal and proximal colon. Fucoidan supplementation significantly increased levels of the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, known to assist in the maintenance of the gut barrier, stimulate gut motility and modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses.
Functional foods & beverages
Leveraging this mounting scientific evidence, fucoidan extracts are now manufactured specifically for functional food and beverages applications4. The mild flavour profiles and superior solubility of these speciality extracts make them highly versatile and easy to formulate with5. These cost-effective ingredients are designed for supplement powders, super greens formulas, nutritional snacks and fortified beverages. Additionally, seaweed extracts are also available containing fucoidan with marine mannitol, a natural low-calorie monosaccharide that imparts a subtle sweet taste5.
Skincare
Fucoidans are well established in the skincare category where they are utilised in a wide range of topical applications. High purity, certified organic extracts have clinically proven soothing and protecting properties6. These benefits include improvement in skin wrinkles, a reduction in skin redness and an increase in skin elasticity7. Fucoidans can also be co-extracted with marine polyphenols to deliver exceptional antioxidant and skin brightening benefits7. Further research suggests a future for fucoidans in balancing skin microbiome. In an ex vivo model, fucoidans have been shown to inhibit the adhesion of the atopic dermatitis associated bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, and reduce the adhesion of the acne associated bacterium, Cutibacterium acnes8.
Medical devices
Extensive research has been undertaken on the barrier effect and wound healing potential of fucoidans. These benefits, combined with antioxidant benefits and ability to support a healthy inflammatory response, has resulted in fucoidans being utilised in innovative medical devices that support gastroesophageal conditions9. Fucoidans have also been well studied for their immunomodulatory properties, including boosting immune response, and enhancing the activity of key immune cells and immune markers10,11. Fucoidans have been incorporated into respiratory support products based on research showing their ability to reduce allergic responses, block the entry of viruses into cells, and inhibit the adhesion of viruses to host cells12–14.
Fucoidan extraction
Fucoidan quality can vary significantly depending on the quality of the source seaweed and the method of extraction.Manufacturers of fucoidan have traditionally utilised solvents, such as ethanol, to precipitate the fucoidan polymer from crude seaweed extracts. Fucoidans manufactured in this way can suffer many shortfalls, including contaminants being present in the final extract, inconsistent quality and compromised chemical integrity. Most importantly, their bioactivity may be diminished.
Contemporary green chemistry extraction technology overcomes these problems6. Mild, aqueous extraction processes avoid the use of harsh solvents and ensure the resulting fucoidan extracts that remain unadulterated in chemical structure and free from solvent residues.
Regulatory acceptance
Fucoidan specialist Marinova Pty Ltd produces the world’s only high purity, certified organic fucoidans with global regulatory acceptance. Maritech® organic fucoidans are manufactured in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, HACCP and GMP accredited facilities in Australia6. Providing confidence to consumers and formulators alike, the portfolio has FDA-notified GRAS approval and EU Novel Foods authorisation, in addition to regulatory approvals in a range of other global jurisdictions. Maritech® ingredients are USDA NOP and EU organic certified.
Sustainable sourcing
The world’s leading fucoidan suppliers demonstrate a sustainable and transparent supply chain that is regularly and independently audited. These leading suppliers have closely aligned their operations with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including the hand-harvesting of seaweeds from pristine ocean waters, the ongoing monitoring of wild seaweeds by teams of experienced resource scientists, fucoidan production utilising renewable energy sources, and the capture and purposeful reuse of by-product.
Meeting market growth
With escalating consumer demand for preventative health solutions, rising disposable incomes and growing interest in healthy ageing, fucoidan is well placed to meet market demand. Based on extensive scientific research, global regulatory approvals and a sustainable supply chain, it is worthy of the attention of future-focused formulators and savvy brand owners.
Further details on Maritech® organic fucoidans can be found at: www.maritechfucoidan.com.au
