CompletedInterventional

Exploring the effects of a natural seaweed supplement on digestion, health, and well-being

This study is exploring a natural supplement found in seaweed, called fucoidan, and its potential effects on young adults' health. Many people in the UK have diet-related health problems, and researchers are looking for natural ways to improve health and well-being. Fucoidan has shown promising effects in lab studies, but more research is needed in people. This trial aims to see if taking a spray-dried fucoidan supplement daily for 28 days can improve digestion, overall health, and how young adults (aged 18-35) feel. Participants will take either the seaweed supplement or a dummy pill and complete online questionnaires from home. The study hopes to provide valuable insights into natural ways to support health.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Aberystwyth University

Enrolment target

Start

09 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

13 Jun 2025

Gut health and overall well-being

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a natural substance found in seaweed called fucoidan. More and more people in the UK are dealing with health problems linked to their diet, and this puts a lot of pressure on our NHS. Scientists are trying to find new and healthy ingredients that can go into foods to help us all stay well. Fucoidan is one of these exciting ingredients that has shown some good signs in lab tests, like helping with swelling and boosting the body's defences.

While we've seen some positive results for fucoidan in the lab and in animal studies, we need more information about how it works in people. This particular study wants to find out if taking a fucoidan supplement can help young adults (aged 18 to 35) with their digestion, their general health, and how happy and well they feel day-to-day. You would take capsules daily for 28 days and fill out some questionnaires from home.

The findings from this study are really important. They could help us understand more about how natural ingredients like fucoidan can support our gut health and overall well-being. This information could then lead to bigger studies and help address common health issues in the future, potentially benefitting many people.

Key takeaways

This study investigates a natural seaweed supplement called fucoidan.
It aims to see if fucoidan improves digestion, health, and well-being in young adults (18-35).
It's a remote study: you take capsules for 28 days and complete online questionnaires.
Participation could help future research into diet-related health issues.
You'll get a £20 voucher for completing the study.
You cannot participate if you have shellfish allergies or certain health conditions.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthy adult between 18 and 35 years old. You also need to agree to take a supplement every day and complete some questionnaires online. Before you start, you'll be asked to give your written permission to take part.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have serious health problems that need daily medication, or if you're taking blood-thinning medicines or medication for blood sugar. You also can't participate if you have allergies to shellfish (like molluscs or crustaceans), or if you have a history of diabetes or gut problems like Crohn's disease or IBD. Smokers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those who drink a lot of alcohol are also not suitable for this study.

Finally, if you already take fucoidan or similar supplements regularly, or if you have any food allergies or are on a special diet prescribed by a doctor, you won't be able to take part. The aim is to study how fucoidan affects otherwise healthy young adults.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 35 years old?
Are you generally healthy and not on long-term daily medications?
Do you have any allergies to shellfish (like prawns, crab, mussels)?
Do you have a history of diabetes or gut problems like Crohn's or IBD?
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you willing and able to complete online questionnaires and take capsules daily for 28 days?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will last for 28 days. You won't need to visit a clinic, as it's a remote study. You'll receive either capsules containing the seaweed supplement (fucoidan) or 'dummy' capsules (placebo) – you won't know which one you're taking. You'll need to take these capsules daily for the 28 days.

At the very start of the study and again at the end, you'll be asked to complete some online questionnaires. These will ask about your digestion, how you're feeling generally, and your eating habits. No samples (like blood or stool) will be collected during this study.

Potential risks and benefits

As a thank you for completing the study, you will receive a £20 voucher. Your participation will help researchers learn more about fucoidan and how it might improve health and well-being in healthy people, which could eventually help those with digestion problems. While fucoidan has been tested before for side effects, it's important to know that people with allergies to shellfish should not take part. If you experience any negative effects during the study, you should stop taking the capsules and let the research team know. The questionnaires are not for diagnosis, but if answering them raises concerns about your health, you should speak to your GP. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Well-being and health Assessment Research Unit (WARU)
City only
Aberystwyth, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is fucoidan?

Fucoidan is a natural substance found in seaweed. Researchers are studying it to see if it has health benefits.

Will I know if I'm taking the seaweed supplement or a dummy pill?

No, this is a 'blinded' study, meaning you won't know if you're getting the active supplement or a placebo (a dummy pill).

How long will I be taking part for?

The study involves taking capsules daily for 28 days, and completing questionnaires at the start and end of this period.

Do I need to visit a clinic or hospital?

No, this is a remote study, so you can take part from your own home.

Will I get feedback on my questionnaire answers?

No, you won't receive individual feedback on your scores as the questionnaires are for research purposes, not for diagnosing any health conditions.

How to find out more

Amanda Jane Lloyd

abl@aber.ac.uk +44 (0)7811618109 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.