Wakame
Research reviewed: 2003–2018
Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 668 participants, researched for Cardiovascular Health, Blood Pressure, Antioxidant Effects and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Cardiovascular Health
ModerateBlood Pressure
ModerateAntioxidant Effects
ModerateAnti-Obesity Effects
StrongResearch 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.
Cardiovascular Health
Evaluate wakame on cardiovascular risk markers
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate wakame on cardiovascular risk markers
Dose
Wakame extract 3 g/day
Participants
70
Duration
12 weeks
Results
LDL reduced by 11%; CRP significantly reduced (−18%); fucoidan anticoagulant properties noted; lipid profile improved
How They Measured It
LDL, HDL, triglycerides, CRP, fibrinogen
Review wakame cardiovascular and metabolic benefits
Study Type
Systematic Review
Purpose
Review wakame cardiovascular and metabolic benefits
Dose
Various
Participants
120
Duration
Various
Results
Consistent cardiovascular protection; fucoxanthin thermogenic effects; fucoidan anticoagulant; anti-obesity evidence emerging
How They Measured It
Narrative review of clinical trials on Undaria pinnatifida
Blood Pressure
Assess wakame on blood pressure in hypertensive adults
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess wakame on blood pressure in hypertensive adults
Dose
Wakame 3.3 g/day
Participants
60
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Systolic BP reduced by 14 mmHg; diastolic BP reduced by 8 mmHg; ACE inhibitory peptides proposed mechanism
How They Measured It
Systolic and diastolic BP, renin-angiotensin markers
Antioxidant Effects
Evaluate wakame fucoidan antioxidant properties
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate wakame fucoidan antioxidant properties
Dose
Wakame fucoidan 1 g/day
Participants
55
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant improvement in antioxidant capacity; SOD activity elevated; oxidative stress markers reduced; fucoidan mechanism confirmed
How They Measured It
ORAC, FRAP, oxidative stress markers, SOD
Assess wakame polyphenol content and antioxidant activity
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess wakame polyphenol content and antioxidant activity
Dose
Wakame 5 g/day
Participants
48
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Plasma phenolic content increased; antioxidant capacity elevated; CRP reduced; polyphenol bioavailability confirmed
How They Measured It
Plasma phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, inflammatory markers
Anti-Obesity Effects
Evaluate wakame fucoxanthin on thermogenesis and body fat
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate wakame fucoxanthin on thermogenesis and body fat
Dose
Wakame fucoxanthin 2.4 mg/day (in oil)
Participants
78
Duration
16 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in visceral fat (−13.5 cm²); RMR increased by 18.2%; blood glucose reduced; fucoxanthin UCP1 upregulation confirmed
How They Measured It
Body fat %, RMR, abdominal fat area (CT scan)
Test wakame supplementation on body weight and metabolic markers
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Test wakame supplementation on body weight and metabolic markers
Dose
Wakame extract 4 g/day
Participants
85
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Modest reduction in body weight (−1.4 kg); waist circumference reduced; insulin sensitivity improved; adiponectin elevated
How They Measured It
Body weight, BMI, waist circumference, metabolic hormones
Assess wakame anti-inflammatory effects in obese adults
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess wakame anti-inflammatory effects in obese adults
Dose
Wakame 5 g/day
Participants
152
Duration
16 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in inflammatory markers; adiponectin increased; body fat reduced; anti-inflammatory pathway via fucoxanthin
How They Measured It
CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha, adiponectin, body composition
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Wakame research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida), involving 668 total participants. Research covers Cardiovascular Health, Antioxidant, Blood Pressure 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.
Wakame has been researched for: Cardiovascular Health, Antioxidant, Blood Pressure, Anti-Obesity. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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