What is inflammation?

Inflammation is the basic way in which the body reacts to infection, irritation or other injury. The key features of this innate and non-specific immune response are redness, warmth, swelling or pain.  Inflammatory responses are regulated by cytokines – proteins that serve as messengers between cells.

What is Aquamin?

Aquamin is a natural multi-mineral ingredient derived from the red algae Lithothamnion. Containing calcium, magnesium and 72 other trace minerals, its sustainable seaweed source is farmed off the Icelandic Westfjords and clinically proven to improve bone, joint and digestive health.

How can Aquamin influence inflammation?

Cytokines are protein molecules that help to regulate the immune response and inflammation. Abnormal regulation of cytokines can lead to many different inflammatory conditions. Aquamin has been shown to positively alter the molecular pathways that cytokines follow in inflammation. It reduces the inflammatory response by inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammation cytokines TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and IL-IB (interleukin-1β).

Study details:

"Evidence that the marine-derived multimineral Aquamin has anti-inflammatory effects on cortical glial-enriched cultures," Ryan et al, Phytotherapy Research October, 2010.

Aquamin may also help with human inflammation in the following areas:

Osteoarthritis (OA) – Aquamin has been shown to alleviate symptoms of OA, such as pain and stiffness, and increase walking distance and general mobility.

Study details:

"A natural mineral supplement provides relief from knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a randomised controlled pilot trial," Fredstedt et al, Nutrition Journal, 2008

Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – Aquamin has been shown to reduce NSAID usage. NSAIDs are commonly used to relieve the pain and discomfort of osteoarthritis, but often have unwelcome side effects.

Study details:

"A natural seaweed-derived mineral supplement for knee osteoarthritis: a randomised, placebo-controlled pilot study," Fredstedt et al, Nutrition Journal, 2009.

Aquamin and inflammation – the future

Further investigations are underway to establish Aquamin’s unique efficacy in inflammation areas not typically associated with synthetic minerals. Scientific evidence supporting Aquamin’s activity in inflammatory conditions such as osteoporosis and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) will also follow once available.