Pilot study explores immune function
A recently published Japanese study investigated the potential effects of ingested fucoidan on natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are considered key markers of the innate immune system, playing a key role in limiting cells that are infected by viruses.
The randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled pilot study involved 40 healthy participants, including equal numbers of males and females. The fucoidan treatment group ingested a beverage containing fucoidan, while the placebo preparation contained no fucoidan.
In the group ingesting the fucoidan, the NK cell activity was significantly enhanced in male subjects after 8 weeks. Interestingly, there was no significant effect on NK cell activity in female participants.
Previous studies suggest that fucoidan extracts have potential as immune priming agents. Marinova currently has a clinical study underway in the USA examining the impact of high purity fucoidan on the immune function of healthy adults. The results of this clinical trial are expected to deepen the understanding of high purity fucoidan and its potential immune health benefits.