Scientists have found that a special form of fucoidan, a substance extracted from brown algae, can prevent obesity by regulating the gut microbiota. The results of the study are published in Carbohydrate Polymers.
It turned out that this new form can help prevent obesity, that is, excess weight, precisely because it “adjusts” the work of these intestinal bacteria.
Fucoidan is already known as a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its effectiveness was limited by its poor bioavailability. In the new work, the scientists isolated a low-molecular-weight variant, LMWF4, obtained from kelp. Due to its smaller molecular size and high degree of sulfation, it was better absorbed and showed a more pronounced effect.
We already knew that fucoidan was a useful substance, it works as an antioxidant (protects cells from damage, like a “shield”) and has anti-inflammatory properties. But there was a problem: our body did not absorb it well, as if it was too big and could not “crawl” where it needed to. So in this study, scientists created a special, “mini-version” of fucoidan, which they called LMWF4. It was obtained from a specific type of seaweed – kelp. They made the old large molecule small and added a special “coating” to it (this is called “high degree of sulfation”). Thanks to this, LMWF4 is now much better absorbed into the body and, accordingly, acts much stronger and more effectively.
In experiments on mice, LMWF4 prevented weight gain and fat accumulation, improved glucose and lipid metabolism, and supported intestinal barrier function. It also prevented high-fat diet-induced intestinal flora disturbances, increased microbiota diversity, and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria Akkermansia and Blautia, which are associated with weight control. At the same time, the abundance of microorganisms associated with obesity was reduced. In addition, LMWF4 regulated bile acid metabolism and reduced inflammation.
To test how it works, the scientists conducted experiments on mice (a standard first step in science before moving on to humans). The results were very encouraging: mice given LMWF4 did not gain excess weight and fat, even when fed a fatty diet. In addition, the substance improved their metabolism – this is how they “process” food into energy, especially sugars and fats, making it more efficient. LMWF4 also strengthened the “gut barrier” – like a strong “shield” in the intestines that prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. More importantly, it prevented problems with gut bacteria that arise from fatty foods. On the contrary, it increased the diversity of these bacteria (which is very good for health) and, interestingly, increased the number of “good” bacteria, such as Akkermansia and Blautia, which are known to help control weight. At the same time, the number of “bad” bacteria associated with obesity decreased. On top of that, LMWF4 helped regulate bile acids (important for fat digestion) and reduced overall inflammation in the body.
According to the authors, such fucoidan may become a promising basis for creating safe and effective means of preventing obesity and metabolic disorders related to nutrition.
So, scientists believe that this new form of fucoidan has great potential. They see it as a promising basis for developing new, safe and truly effective tools to help prevent obesity and other health problems that often arise from poor nutrition. Perhaps it will be some kind of food supplement or even the medicine of the future.
