Common Questions About Fucoidan

I’ve mentioned FUCOIDAN in some of my previous blog posts but just barely scratched the surface of the knowledge and science behind this not-so-new compound.

Since it looks like Fucoidan has piqued your interest (hence the number of questions and comments I’ve received on it), I will try to answer some of the most common questions about Fucoidan in this post. Feel free to leave any comments or even more questions!

1. What is Fucoidan?

   Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide found mainly in various species of brown algae and brown seaweed such as Mozuku, Kombu, Bladderwrack and Wakame. Fucoidan appears to have anti-tumor, anti-cancer and neuroprotective actions, according to many scientific researchers. Specifically, fucoidan acts to block cancer cells from developing and growing. Fucoidan also provides anti-coagulant and anti-thrombotic effects that improve blood circulation. The substance offers actions that modulate the immune system and antioxidant actions as well.

2.  Is it okay to take Fucoidan while receiving cancer treatment such as chemotherapy?

   There are many studies which show that Fucoidan alleviates chemo side effects, reduces edema, and extends lifespan when being treated together with chemo drugs in animal tests. By the same token, cancer patients may benefit from an extended lifespan, preventing and alleviating chemo side effects by taking Fucoidan with chemotherapy drugs. Especially the side effects such as fatigue, bone marrow suppression, loss of appetite, vomiting can be critical problems. In terms of quality of life, these harsh side effects can be the reason why some cancer patients are not able to continue with the chemotherapy. Fucoidan is well known for helping to alleviate the chemotherapy side effects and boost the immune system which can be easily damaged by these drugs.

3. Are there any side effects of taking Fucoidan?

   Since Fucoidan is extracted from natural brown seaweeds such as Wakame, Mozuku and Bladderwrack, there should be no concern regarding any side effects.

4. Is there synergistic effect by taking several different types of Fucoidan and Agaricus together than taking them respectively?

   According to the research from Mie university in Japan, Fucoidan extracted from Mozuku perform better in terms of inducing cancer apoptosis than Fucoidan extracted from the seaweed Kombu or Mekabu. Based on the report regarding Mekabu extract Fucoidan in July 2004 at the 12th International Congress of Immunology in Canada, Mekabu Fucoidan does more effectively in terms of Angiogenesis suppression. Many recent reports present that Fucus Fucoidan is a great supporter for immune-boosting, and perform a powerful antioxidant role. And also, the function of the beta-glucans present in the Agaricus mushroom has been known for strong anti-cancer effect. The major anticancer ingredient of        Agaricus is beta-glucan. They have the ability to stimulate the immune cells in our  body such as macrophages and NK cells. As explained above, in terms of maximizing the efficacy of Fucoidan and Agaricus’s many health benefits, taking the combination of Mozuku, Mekabu and Agaricus will  be likely to provide higher efficacy than each of these Fucoidan alone.

1. 5. Are Fucoidan and Agaricus only beneficial for those with cancer?

   One of the main functions of Fucoidan and Agaricus is immune boosting by activating immune system. As you are getting older, if you are concerned about losing immunity, which may increase the chance of getting diseases including cancer, taking Fucoidan and Agaricus related products may support promoting and maintaining your immune system to prevent future diseases. Fucoidan can also be a great supporter for diabetes, high blood pressure, allergies, or blood circulation disorders.