Aquamin, a multi-mineral complex derived 100% from seaweed, was recently researched for its effects on calcium in a new human study that was published in the Journal of Medicinal Food. The study revealed Aquamin as having more bioavailability compared to calcium carbonate.
 
Entitled “Effect of Calcium Derived from Lithothamnion sp. on Markers of Calcium Metabolism in Premenopausal Women,” this study evaluated if botanically derived calcium had a greater influence over calcium metabolism markers compared with a non-plant derived calcium carbonate supplement or placebo in premenopausal women. The study also showed that Aquamin, or Lithothamnion sp., provided prolonged suppression of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations following a meal in premenopausal women. Although additional studies are needed, the study suggests Aquamin may represent an effective means of providing calcium supplementation to individuals at risk of bone loss due to osteoporosis.
 
“Our ingredient is unique as it is one of the few plant-based sources of calcium with such high levels of the mineral,” said David O’Leary, commercial manager of Marigot Ltd., the creators of Aquamin. “This human study further proves the benefits of Aquamin as a unique ingredient helping to support bone health.”
 
To be effective, calcium supplements must contain readily bioavailable calcium. Many calcium supplements vary widely in their bioavailability and although natural plant sources of calcium are rare, the mineralized remains of the marine red algae known as Aquamin contain large amounts of a highly porous and readily bioavailable calcium. This bioavailability makes Aquamin a versatile ingredient for use in solid and semi-solid food production, in products including baking, cereals and snacks, rice, pasta, noodles, ice cream, instant drinks and more.
 
Aquamin is exclusively distributed in North America by Stauber Performance Ingredients, Inc. It is derived solely from seaweed harvested off the coast of Iceland under an exclusive license and provides bioactive calcium, magnesium and 72 other trace marine minerals, which can be used in the fortification of food, beverage and supplement products.