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Polyphenol-fucoidan complex may assist in increasing ‘good’ cholesterol

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In a world first, a clinical study has investigated the potential effects of a polyphenol-rich fucoidan extract on cholesterol levels in humans.

The double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study saw overweight and obese adults ingest a polyphenol-fucoidan complex or placebo for a three month period. The study showed that the participants taking the unique marine extract recorded a statistically significant increase in levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or ‘good’ cholesterol. No increase in HDL was recorded for those participants taking the placebo.

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) now account for an estimated 31% of all deaths worldwide. They are the leading cause of death across the globe. Whilst weight management remains the most effective means by which to reduce the risk of CVD, the incidence of obesity continues to climb at an alarming rate. This trend is prompting health professionals to investigate alternative strategies to assist in reducing the risk of CVD.

One potential strategy may include altering the two main types of blood cholesterol – HDL, or ‘good' cholesterol, and LDL, or ‘bad’ cholesterol. HDL is associated with increased protection against heart attack and stroke. It also assists in carrying LDL, ‘bad’ cholesterol, away from the arteries and back to the liver to be broken down.

The increase in HDL observed in this latest investigation suggests that future research into polyphenol-fucoidan extracts and HDL is warranted to confirm clinical relevance.

The study utilised the polyphenol-fucoidan complex Maritech® Synergy, produced by Marinova in Australia. Maritech® fucoidan extracts are the world’s only high purity, certified organic fucoidan with global regulatory acceptance. The paper notes that in addition to Maritech® Synergy having GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe) approval, consumption over the 12 week study period did not result in any symptoms of intolerance.

The full paper, ”Twelve weeks’ treatment with a polyphenol-rich seaweed extract increased HDL cholesterol with no change in other biomarkers of chronic disease risk in overweight adults: A placebo-controlled randomized trial”, was published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.

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