A Multi-Mineral Intervention Improves Intestinal Permeability in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: Results from a...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Nutritional Science
• Marine Biology

Background:

• Previous research indicated Aquamin®, a marine algae-derived mineral extract, enhances colon barrier integrity proteins.
• This prompted an investigation into Aquamin®'s specific effects on gastrointestinal barrier function and permeability in ulcerative colitis (UC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of Aquamin® supplementation on intestinal permeability in patients with mild or remission UC.
• To assess the safety and tolerability of Aquamin® in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• An open-label trial involving UC patients and healthy controls who received Aquamin® (800 mg calcium/day) for 90 days.
• Intestinal permeability was measured using urinary mannitol excretion before and after supplementation.
• Serum samples were analyzed for liver and renal function markers.

Main Results:

• UC patients exhibited significantly higher baseline urinary mannitol excretion compared to controls.
• Aquamin® supplementation reduced urinary mannitol excretion in UC patients across multiple time points, with a significant overall reduction of 29%.
• The intervention was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events and a modest reduction in alkaline phosphatase levels.

Conclusions:

• Aquamin® supplementation demonstrated a beneficial effect on gut barrier function and epithelial integrity in UC patients.
• These findings suggest Aquamin® is a safe and promising adjunct therapy for UC management, potentially acting as a barrier therapy.