Brown Seaweed Extract
Research reviewed: 2005–2018
Brown Seaweed Extract (Brown algae (Phaeophyceae) extract) is a dietary supplement with 9 published peer-reviewed studies involving 622 participants, researched for Metabolism, Antioxidant Effects, Anti-Inflammatory Effects and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Metabolism
ModerateAntioxidant Effects
StrongAnti-Inflammatory Effects
ModerateThyroid Support & Clinical Evidence
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Metabolism
Evaluate brown seaweed extract on metabolic rate and body composition
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate brown seaweed extract on metabolic rate and body composition
Dose
Brown algae extract 3 g/day
Participants
80
Duration
12 weeks
Results
RMR increased by 3.8% vs baseline; fat mass reduced (−0.9 kg); thyroid hormones elevated; iodine and fucoxanthin mechanisms
How They Measured It
RMR, body weight, fat mass, thyroid hormones
Assess brown algae thermogenic properties in overweight adults
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess brown algae thermogenic properties in overweight adults
Dose
Brown seaweed extract 5 g/day
Participants
68
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Fat oxidation significantly increased; RMR elevated; visceral fat reduced; fucoxanthin identified as key thermogenic compound
How They Measured It
RMR via indirect calorimetry, substrate oxidation, body composition
Effects of dietary seaweed on obesity-related metabolic status: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
Effects of dietary seaweed on obesity-related metabolic status: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Antioxidant Effects
Evaluate brown seaweed polyphenol (phlorotannin) antioxidant activity
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate brown seaweed polyphenol (phlorotannin) antioxidant activity
Dose
Phlorotannin-rich brown algae extract 1 g/day
Participants
60
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant increase in ORAC and FRAP; SOD and catalase activity elevated; MDA reduced by 25%
How They Measured It
ORAC, FRAP, plasma MDA, antioxidant enzyme activity
Assess brown seaweed extract antioxidant capacity in adults
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess brown seaweed extract antioxidant capacity in adults
Dose
Brown algae extract 2 g/day
Participants
75
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Antioxidant capacity significantly improved; oxidative stress markers reduced; consistent with phlorotannin and fucoxanthin activity
How They Measured It
Plasma antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress markers
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Evaluate brown seaweed extract on systemic inflammation
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate brown seaweed extract on systemic inflammation
Dose
Brown algae extract 3 g/day
Participants
65
Duration
12 weeks
Results
CRP significantly reduced (−22%); IL-6 reduced (−18%); TNF-alpha reduced; arachidonic acid metabolite levels lowered
How They Measured It
CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha, arachidonic acid metabolites
Thyroid Support & Clinical Evidence
Review brown algae bioactive compounds and clinical health evidence
Study Type
Systematic Review
Purpose
Review brown algae bioactive compounds and clinical health evidence
Dose
Various
Participants
140
Duration
Various
Results
Multiple bioactive classes in brown algae; strongest clinical evidence for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, metabolic, and thyroid effects
How They Measured It
Narrative review of fucoxanthin, fucoidan, phlorotannins, iodine
Evaluate brown seaweed bioactive fraction on thyroid support
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate brown seaweed bioactive fraction on thyroid support
Dose
Brown algae 400 µg iodine equivalent
Participants
88
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Urinary iodine significantly increased; TSH normalised in deficient subjects; T3 elevated; metabolic rate improvement correlated with thyroid improvement
How They Measured It
TSH, T3, T4, metabolic rate, urinary iodine
Assess brown seaweed extract for metabolic and antioxidant benefits
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess brown seaweed extract for metabolic and antioxidant benefits
Dose
Brown algae extract 4 g/day
Participants
46
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Comprehensive metabolic improvement; antioxidant capacity elevated; gut microbiome diversity increased; consistent multi-system benefit
How They Measured It
Metabolic markers, antioxidant capacity, body composition, gut health
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Brown Seaweed Extract research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Brown Seaweed Extract (Brown algae (Phaeophyceae) extract), involving 622 total participants. Research covers Metabolism, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Brown Seaweed Extract has been researched for: Metabolism, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Thyroid Support. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 9 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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