Marine-Derived Muscle Protection: Oligo-Fucoidan Improves Strength in Older Adults
As people age, many older adults notice a
gradual decline in physical strength—walking becomes slower, balance feels less
stable, and even simple daily tasks like opening a bottle cap can be
challenging. These changes are often linked to sarcopenia, an age-related
condition characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass, muscle
strength, and physical function.
Sarcopenia significantly increases the risk
of falls, fractures, and loss of independence in older adults. While resistance
training and strength exercise are considered the most effective strategies
to prevent muscle loss, not every senior is physically capable of performing
high-intensity workouts.
A new clinical study offers a safe and
simple nutritional alternative: a marine-derived supplement known as low
molecular weight fucoidan, also called Oligo-Fucoidan.
What Is Low Molecular
Weight Fucoidan (Oligo-Fucoidan)?
Fucoidan is a complex polysaccharide
naturally found in brown seaweed, such as kelp and wakame. In this
study, researchers used a patented Taiwanese low molecular weight fucoidan
(Oligo-Fucoidan) with a molecular weight of less than 15 kDa.
The smaller molecular size allows for:
- Better intestinal absorption
- Faster biological activity
- Higher bioavailability compared to traditional fucoidan
These advantages make Oligo-Fucoidan
particularly suitable as a dietary supplement for older adults.
Scientific Evidence:
Significant Improvements After 12 Weeks
A Taiwanese research team conducted a 12-week
clinical trial involving community-dwelling adults aged 60 years and
older. Participants were divided into groups and consumed a powdered
supplement twice daily.
The results showed statistically and
clinically significant improvements in several key indicators of muscle
health and physical performance.
1. Significant Increase
in Handgrip Strength
Handgrip strength is a widely recognized
marker of overall muscle strength and sarcopenia risk.
- Participants who consumed Oligo-Fucoidan showed notable improvements
in grip strength.
- 64.7% of subjects reached the threshold of clinically meaningful
improvement, highlighting its potential role in
preventing age-related muscle weakness.
2. Improved Walking
Ability and Endurance
In the 6-minute walk test,
participants in the Oligo-Fucoidan group were able to:
- Walk farther
- Maintain better stability
Improved walking performance is closely
linked to independence in daily activities such as shopping, climbing stairs,
and maintaining social engagement.
3. Muscle Preservation
Effect
Although 12 weeks is not long enough to
significantly increase muscle mass, researchers observed an important
protective trend:
- The control group experienced a decline in calf circumference,
a sign of muscle loss.
- The Oligo-Fucoidan group was able to maintain muscle size,
suggesting a muscle-protective effect.
How Does Oligo-Fucoidan
Support Muscle Health?
Based on previous animal studies and
biochemical analyses, fucoidan supports muscle health through multiple
mechanisms:
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Helps reduce chronic inflammation and oxidative stress associated with aging muscles. - Enhanced mitochondrial energy metabolism
Improves cellular energy production, leading to better muscle endurance and strength. - Promotes muscle protein synthesis and reduces breakdown
Supports anabolic pathways while slowing muscle degradation.
These combined actions make Oligo-Fucoidan a
promising anti-sarcopenia nutritional strategy.
Proven Safety for Older
Adults
Safety is a top priority for senior
nutrition. According to the study:
- No adverse events were reported
during the 12-week supplementation period.
- Comprehensive safety assessments showed no negative effects on
liver or kidney function.
This confirms that low molecular weight
fucoidan is a well-tolerated and safe dietary supplement for long-term
use.
Conclusion: A Promising
Non-Pharmaceutical Option for Healthy Aging
This study provides the first clinical
evidence that Oligo-Fucoidan supplementation can significantly improve
muscle strength and physical performance in older adults.
For seniors who are unable to maintain
regular resistance training due to joint pain, fatigue, or mobility
limitations, low molecular weight fucoidan represents a non-drug, safe, and
highly promising option to support muscle health, independence, and quality
of life.
Friendly Reminder
Although these findings are encouraging,
individual health conditions vary. Before starting any new nutritional
supplement or anti-sarcopenia program, older adults should consult with
their physician or registered dietitian.
Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167494325003127
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