Aquamin seaweed supplement
February 1 2017

Aquamin is a supplement that contains a mix of trace minerals, with the main ingredients being calcium and magnesium.
   Aquamin is a natural, multi mineral ingredient derived from the red seaweed Lithothamnion Corallioides. Rich in calcium, magnesium and 74 other trace minerals, Aquamin can be used in a wide variety of food, beverage and dietary supplement applications. All products in the Aquamin range are 100 per cent natural and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Aquamin is available in the United States from GTC Nutrition.

Joint health benefit
A natural seaweed derived mineral supplement (Aquamin F) for knee osteoarthritis: a randomised, placebo controlled pilot study.
Nutr J. 2009. Frestedt JL, Kuskowski MA, Zenk JL. Frestedt Incorporated, Louis Park, MN, USA.
This small, double blind, placebo controlled pilot study investigated the impact of treatment with a natural multi-mineral supplement from seaweed (Aquamin) on 6 minute walking distance (6 MWD), range of motion (ROM), and pain and joint mobility measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index in subjects with moderate to severe OA of the knee during gradual withdrawal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that were being used daily for pain management. Subjects with moderate to severe OA of the knee were randomised to receive either Aquamin (2400 mg/d) or Placebo for up to 12 weeks. This small preliminary study suggests Aquamin may increase range of motion and walking distances in subjects with OA of the knee and may allow partial withdrawal of NSAIDs over 12 weeks of treatment. Additional research is needed to confirm these preliminary observations.

Osteoarthritis benefit
Researchers found that among 22 adults with moderate to severe knee arthritis, those who took Aquamin supplement for 12 weeks were able to reduce their use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs but still show improvements in walking ability and range of motion in the knee joint. Dr. Joy L. Frestedt, of Frestedt Inc., in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, led the study. Frestedt Inc. is a consulting firm that runs clinical trials. Ireland-based Marigot Ltd., which markets Aquamin, funded the study.

Aquamin patients performed better on tests of walking distance and knee joint range of motion after one month of treatment, despite their NSAID use being halved.
The benefits did not continue, however, once the patients stopped taking NSAIDs altogether, the study found. Six patients dropped out of the trial because of worsening pain -- though five of them were in the placebo group, the researchers note. Nutrition Journal, 2009.

A pilot study indicated that Aquamin, Marigot’s natural multi-mineral ingredient, may allow partial withdrawal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for sufferers of osteoarthritis of the knee. The double blind, placebo controlled study investigated the impact of Aquamin on range of motion (ROM), six minute walking distance (6MWD) and pain and joint mobility measured by the WOMAC osteoarthritis index. Although there are no significant differences in WOMAC scores, the data reveal significant improvements in passive and active extension ROM and 6MWD in the Aquamin group compared to the placebo group, suggesting a potential treatment effect for Aquamin. NSAIDs are commonly used as pain relief for osteoarthritis, but are often accompanied by adverse side effects, including gastrointestinal distress, ulcer formation and cardiovascular problems. This study was conducted over 14 weeks during which subjects received either Aquamin (2400mg/day) or placebo. NSAID use was reduced to 50 per cent at two weeks and eliminated completely at four weeks. The results show that placebo and Aquamin treatments were significantly different after one month of treatment, which included two weeks with NSAID dose at 50 per cent. The Aquamin group demonstrated higher adjusted mean values for ROM for passive and active extension as well as a greater six minute walking distance. These results indicate Aquamin has the potential to help manage osteoarthritis symptoms when NSAID use is reduced to 50 per cent.
   David O’Leary, commercial manager at Marigot, commented: “NSAIDs are a daily necessity for many osteoarthritis sufferers to control pain and allow them to carry out their everyday activities. These preliminary results are another feather in the cap for Aquamin, which has been the subject of a number of positive recent studies in the area of joint health and inflammation. We’re continuing to invest in research to build up a picture of the scope of benefits Aquamin has to offer.”
   Marigot Ltd specialises in the development and production of natural mineral products for use in foods, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements and cosmetics. Using calcified seaweed as its primary raw material source, the company produces the Aquamin range of products.