What is Fucoidan?
The Essence of Brown Seaweed
- A complex sulfated polysaccharide found in brown algae and seaweed.
- Rich in macronutrients, L-fucose, monosaccharides, uronic acids, acetyl groups, and protein.
- Supports immune, cardiovascular, skin, and digestive health.
What is Fucoidan?
Fucoidan is known for its abundance of macronutrients and health benefits. Fucoidan is a complex sulfated polysaccharide large molecule found in the cell-wall matrix of brown algae and seaweed, and contains high amounts of L-fucose.
Fucoidan contains various monosaccharides (mannose, galactose, glucose, xylose, etc.), uronic acids, acetyl groups, and protein.
With these abundant organic compounds, Fucoidan supports immune, cardiovascular, skin, and digestive health.
Fucoidan is in a family of brown algae sulphated polysaccharides whose main polyfucose sugar unit is sulfated fucose. The basic structure of the algal polysaccharides is shown in Figure 1. The reader can easily see the presence of multiple sulfated groups in the fucoidan species. The fucoidan order Laminariales, sp. Undaria pinnatifida is distinct with the completely sulfated (1→3)-linked Fucp backbone structure for UltraFucoidan™ by Vesta Ingredients.
The high sulfate content of UltraFucoidan™ is the basis of the health benefits of the fucoidan extract. Additional information is presented in this document regarding the health benefits of UltraFucoidan™.
The fucoidan seaweed extract of UltraFucoidan™ has been studied as a novel source of a variety of compounds reported to possess biological activity of potential medicinal value and for compounds considered to be a rich source of antioxidants. These natural antioxidants have been used for centuries and are naturally found in plant materials. Fucoidan is safe for consumers because of the natural source of the plant material.
Fucoidan exhibits a wide range of biological activity summarized below (Varinska et al., 2017):
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-viral
- anti-tumor
- anti-thrombotic
- anti-angiogenic
Not All Fucoidans are The Same
UltraFucoidan is unique and has the most advantages. The main feature of UltraFucoidan is the higher concentration of sulfur and actual Fucoidan than most other products already on the market. This feature results in the highest concentration of antioxidant compounds for the strongest bioactivity. UltraFucoidan has an abundant 15% sulfur with 85% fucoidan for the most benefit.
In addition, the source of Vesta’s UltraFucoidan derives from the Laminaria and Undaria species grown in Korean ocean waters, which are considered an enriched and natural body of clean, unpolluted water.
Undaria Pinnatifida
Undaria pinnatifida, commonly known as wakame, is a type of brown seaweed that typically grows in coastal waters up to 20 meters deep. It thrives in sheltered reef areas where factors like temperature, nutrients, light, and depth are crucial for its growth. Undaria can grow up to 2 meters in length within a year, making it a rapidly renewable resource.
As a source of fucoidan, Undaria pinnatifida stands out among other seaweed species because it contains high levels of this beneficial compound. Fucoidan is known for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Undaria’s high fucoidan content, combined with its rapid growth and nutrient-rich profile, makes it a valuable seaweed compared to other species.
Laminaria
Laminaria seaweed, also known as kelp, is a large brown algae that grows in cold ocean waters and forms dense underwater forests. It has a holdfast to anchor it, a stem-like stipe, and long fronds that help it thrive. Laminaria is very nutritious, containing iodine, potassium, calcium, and various vitamins.
Laminaria is special because it has a lot of fucoidan, a compound with potential health benefits like reducing inflammation and fighting viruses. It stands out from other seaweeds due to its high nutritional value and significant fucoidan content.
History of Fucoidan
Fucoidan containing foods such as seaweed are known in the traditions and history of many Asian countries as a staple in their diets which accounts for the health benefits leading to longer life. It wasn’t until the past several decades that biomedical research has extensively studied the effects and benefits of Fucoidan.
Several studies have established the mechanisms by which Fucoidan is utilized by the body to generate vital hormones and enzymes, and these studies have elucidated the role of fucoidan in helping to improve immune, cardiovascular, skin, and digestive health.
