What is fucoxanthin?
Fucoxanthin is a golden member of the colorful group of carotenoids, which are natural pigments who share similar chemical structure. Fucoxanthin is the most abundant carotenoid on earth, about 10% of all, but it is unique to Algae, both seaweeds and microalgae. Despite its abundance, we hardly consume any fucoxanthin in our diet. So, unless we are fans of Japanese cuisine, we are not benefitting from the plethora of health benefits that fucoxanthin provides.
How is fucoxanthin good for health?
The most important and unique health benefit of fucoxanthin is its activity against metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is considered a global epidemic affecting 25% of the world’s population. MetS is a cluster of conditions including central obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance, which is linked to reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and the onset of severe diseases.
Fucoxanthin was shown to work in the mitochondria of central fat layers to increase the burning of fats. Moreover, fucoxanthin improves the hormonal balance of fat tissue to increase its breakdown for energy and to ameliorate insulin resistance. Clinical studies have shown that the outcome of these processes is reduced waist size and normalized blood sugar levels.
Fucoxanthin also has neuroprotective effects, meaning that it potentially prevents neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss and dementia. In addition, it protects brain cells from damage after head trauma or stroke.
As a cosmetic ingredient, fucoxanthin is a potent anti-aging agent. It protects the skin from damage caused by the sun’s UV rays, pollution, and other inflammatory causes. Fucoxanthin also possesses a unique ability to brighten skin and eliminate skin spots, which makes it popular in cosmetics marketed in south east Asia.
Numerous laboratory studies have indicated that fucoxanthin is active against several types of cancer, by triggering apoptosis- programmed cell death- in tumor cells. Several animal studies with fucoxanthin showed a reduction in the prevalence, size, and proliferation of primary tumors and metastases.
Interestingly, various other health benefits are attributed to fucoxanthin including antimicrobial activity, improving male reproductive function, promoting longevity and geroprotective (“fountain of youth”) activity, and even reducing anxious-depressive behaviors in animal models.
Why microalgae and not seaweeds?
Currently, fucoxanthin is primarily derived from brown seaweeds, which constitute >99% of the fucoxanthin in the market. The availability of seaweeds as a source is limited due to factors such as seasonal variations, harvesting challenges, and environmental conditions, such as high levels of contaminants. As a commercial source of fucoxanthin, microalgae have several major advantages over seaweeds (macroalgae):
- The concentration of Fucoxanthin is approximately 100 times higher in microalgae than in seaweeds.
- Microalgae are available the whole year round and in unlimited supply, whereas macroalgae are seasonal.
- Microalgae can be grown in a controlled environment very efficiently. In contrast, macroalgae are usually harvested from the ocean through a costly process.
- Microalgae are cleaner and safer than macroalgae, which contain high levels of iodine, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
- Microalgae cultivation is friendlier to the environment, whereas macroalgae harvest is detrimental to the seabed and the marine environment.
Fucoxanthin at Algalif?
We at Algalif were awarded as the best natural Astaxanthin producer for four consecutive years. As such, we are already well-versed in the microalgae cultivation and production technologies necessary to tap into the huge potential of natural fucoxanthin. Our R&D team has successfully developed, implemented, and upscaled a cultivation process for the fucoxanthin-rich microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum. We are currently optimizing post-harvesting processes, including drying and extraction, and expect our new Fucoxanthin product to be available in the near future!
An Algalif Blog by Jan Eric Jessen, M.Sc., Head of R&D.
The benefits of astaxanthin for humans will be explored in future blogs – keep up to date by following us at www.algalif.com.
