Sea Nourishment Proprietary Blend
Also known as: sea moss, seaweed blend, sea vegetables, algae, kelp, laver, liquid sea nourishment supplement, Porphyra tenera, Laminaria digitata, Laminaria hyperborea, Saccharina latissima, Alaria esculenta, Aloe vera barbadensis Miller, Tabebuia spp., Sea Nourishment Proprietary Blend
Overview
The Sea Nourishment Proprietary Blend is a dietary supplement composed of various edible seaweeds and sea vegetables, such as red seaweed (*Porphyra tenera*) and brown seaweeds (*Laminaria digitata*, *Laminaria hyperborea*, *Saccharina latissima*, *Alaria esculenta*). It may also include botanical ingredients like Aloe vera and Pau d’Arco. Harvested from marine environments, this blend is rich in essential minerals like iodine, calcium, and magnesium, as well as vitamins, fibers, amino acids, and bioactive compounds. It is primarily used to enhance micronutrient intake, support metabolic health, provide antioxidants, and potentially improve glucose regulation and satiety. Key characteristics include high iodine and trace mineral content, soluble and insoluble fibers, polysaccharides, essential fatty acids (DHA, EPA), and plant bioactives with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While traditional use is ancient, rigorous clinical evidence for proprietary blends is emerging, with most research focusing on individual seaweed species or algae extracts.
Benefits
The Sea Nourishment Proprietary Blend offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily derived from its seaweed components. Short-term randomized controlled trials (2–4 weeks) on brown algae have shown reductions in fasting glucose and 2-hour postprandial glucose levels, indicating improved glycemic control. Algal supplementation has also been observed to increase satiety, which may assist in appetite control and weight management. Furthermore, seaweed consumption significantly boosts the intake of crucial micronutrients such as iodine, calcium, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids (DHA+EPA). A large-scale nutritional modeling study demonstrated that diverse aquatic food consumption could increase DHA+EPA supply by 186%, which is nutritionally significant. Preliminary studies suggest potential neuroprotective effects and stress reduction, though these require further validation. The blend's organic silver and Aloe vera components may contribute antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, supporting immune health. Women and girls may particularly benefit from increased aquatic food consumption due to improved micronutrient intake relevant to female nutrition. While some benefits are observed within 2–4 weeks, long-term effects are still being established.
How it works
The Sea Nourishment Proprietary Blend exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Seaweed polysaccharides, such as alginates and fucoidans, modulate glucose absorption in the gut and positively influence the gut microbiota. The high iodine content is crucial for supporting thyroid hormone synthesis, which regulates metabolism. Antioxidant compounds present in the blend help reduce oxidative stress throughout the body. The fibers contribute to satiety and promote a healthy digestive system. The blend interacts with the digestive system by influencing nutrient absorption and gut health, the endocrine system through thyroid function, the immune system via antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, and potentially the nervous system through neuroprotective actions. Known molecular targets include enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion, thyroid hormone receptors, inflammatory mediators, and the composition of gut microbiota. The bioavailability of nutrients can be influenced by preparation methods and individual digestion.
Side effects
The Sea Nourishment Proprietary Blend is generally considered safe when consumed in typical dietary amounts. However, due to its high iodine content, excessive intake may pose a risk for thyroid dysfunction. Common side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, can include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and gas, primarily due to the high fiber content. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may involve allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Rare side effects (less than 1%) are primarily associated with thyroid dysfunction resulting from excessive iodine intake. Potential drug interactions include those with thyroid medications, as the iodine content can interfere with their efficacy, and with anticoagulants due to the presence of vitamin K. Individuals with pre-existing thyroid disorders should consult a healthcare provider before using this supplement. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also monitor their iodine intake carefully to avoid potential risks.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for metabolic effects, based on brown algae studies, has been reported as low as 400 mg/day. In some trials, dosages up to 48 g/day were used in diabetic patients, though typical supplement doses are generally lower and vary by formulation. A maximum safe dose has not been firmly established, but it is crucial to avoid excessive iodine intake, which is typically considered above 1,100 mcg/day. There are no specific timing considerations; consistent daily intake is generally recommended for optimal benefits. For liquid formulations, such as those from Olympian Labs, refrigeration is often required. The absorption and bioavailability of nutrients can be affected by cooking and processing methods, and the polysaccharide content can vary seasonally. Adequate hydration and a balanced diet are recommended cofactors to enhance the benefits of the blend.
FAQs
Is Sea Nourishment Proprietary Blend safe for daily use?
Generally, yes, but it's important to monitor your iodine intake. Individuals with thyroid issues should consult a healthcare provider before daily use to avoid potential complications.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Some metabolic benefits, such as improved glucose regulation, have been observed in short-term studies within 2–4 weeks of consistent supplementation with seaweed components.
Does it help with weight loss?
It may increase satiety, which could potentially aid in appetite control and weight management. However, direct evidence for significant weight loss from this blend is limited and requires further research.
Are there any allergens?
Yes, allergic reactions are possible, especially for individuals sensitive to seaweed or other botanical components like Aloe vera. Always check the ingredient list if you have known allergies.
Research Sources
- https://getrootless.com/blogs/news/our-seaweed-squad – This source discusses the various seaweed species and other botanical ingredients commonly found in sea nourishment blends, highlighting their general nutritional benefits and traditional uses. It provides context on the composition of such proprietary blends.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03917-1 – This Nature study is a large-scale nutritional modeling analysis demonstrating that increased diversity in aquatic food consumption, including seaweed, significantly enhances the supply of essential micronutrients like DHA+EPA, calcium, and iron, particularly benefiting female nutrition. It highlights the population-level impact of incorporating aquatic foods into diets.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5387034/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis on algae as nutritional sources found significant variability in polysaccharide and protein content across species. It reported that short-term randomized controlled trials showed improved glucose regulation and satiety with brown algae supplementation over 2–4 weeks, despite heterogeneity in study designs.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10613476/ – This review from Frontiers in Nutrition confirms the protein content in red seaweed and the presence of bioactive compounds that support metabolic health. It reiterates findings from short-term RCTs regarding glucose and satiety benefits but emphasizes the need for more standardized clinical trials on seaweed-based supplements.
- https://vitaminlife.com/products/sea-nourishment-liquid-vitamin-supplement – This product page provides information on a specific 'Sea Nourishment Liquid Vitamin Supplement,' detailing its ingredients, intended uses, and general marketing claims. It offers insight into how such blends are commercially presented and what benefits are typically advertised.
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