Fucoidans are complex polysaccharides found naturally in brown seaweeds. These unique marine ingredients are utilised in premium nutraceuticals, medical devices and skincare formulations. More than 4000 scientific papers now attest to the wide-ranging bioactive properties of fucoidans, supporting their growing use across the immune support, gut and digestive health, and healthy ageing categories.
Men’s health: Relief for urinary symptoms
A randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, recently published in the journal Research and Reports in Urology, has shown that high purity fucoidan relieved common urinary symptoms typically experienced by men as they age, in addition to improving prostate related quality-of-life.
Given the significant growth occurring in the men’s health category, these findings are very exciting
The trial evaluated the effects of high purity Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan on men experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). In the 90-day study, 88 men aged between 45 and 80 years received either a daily fucoidan supplement or a placebo. Urinary symptoms were assessed at 30-day intervals. The trial utilised the validated International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) to assess changes in symptoms including bladder emptying, frequency, intermittency, urgency, weak stream, straining and nocturia (waking more than once at night to urinate). The IPSS also includes a quality-of-life assessment based on urinary symptoms.
Key findings
Compared to the placebo, participants taking the high purity fucoidan supplement showed:
- Statistically and clinically significant improvements in urinary symptoms
- Significant improvement in total IPSS scores at day 60, further improving at day 90. The difference between the fucoidan and placebo groups remained statistically significant through to the end of the study.
- A more than nine-fold improvement in voiding symptoms (encompassing the symptoms of emptying, intermittency, weak stream and straining)
- A two-fold improvement in storage symptoms (encompassing the symptoms of frequency, urgency and nocturia)
- Improvements in individual symptoms (including straining, emptying, frequency and intermittency)
- A significant improvement in quality-of-life based on urinary symptoms
Importantly, the fucoidan was also shown to be well tolerated and safe throughout the study period.
“Given the significant growth occurring in the men’s health category, these findings are very exciting,” said Marinova’s Sales & Partnerships Director, Mr Rod Shelley. “Not only did the trial assess the effects of fucoidan supplementation on urinary symptoms, it also determined that the changes were clinically significant.”
Formulating with fucoidans
High purity, certified organic fucoidans offer versatility, efficacy and stability in a wide range of applications and formats. They are ideal for product innovators seeking novel ingredients with a clear point of differentiation. Fucoidans are typically supplied as a dry powder. They can be utilised as a stand-alone bioactives or easily incorporated with other ingredients. High purity fucoidan is ideal for inclusion in capsules, tablets, sachets and stick packs, ready-to-mix powders, functional foods and beverages, gels, creams and serums.
Marinova’s portfolio of branded ingredients, Maritech® organic fucoidans, are the product of the company’s proprietary aqueous extraction process. They are supported by FDA-notified GRAS, USDA NOP, EU Novel Foods and EU organic certification. They are Kosher, Halal and COSMOS certified and manufactured in Australia in HACCP/GMP and ISO 9001 and 14001 accredited facilities.
Marinova Pty Ltd will be exhibiting at SupplySide Global in Las Vegas from October 28-30 at booth #4136. Appointments can be scheduled via info@marinova.com.au
