Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Ostrea Gigas

Also known as: Crassostrea gigas, Pacific oyster, fermented oyster extract, FO, oyster extract, OE

Overview

Crassostrea gigas, commonly known as the Pacific oyster, is a widely cultivated and consumed marine species. Supplements derived from this oyster, such as fermented oyster extracts (FO) or hot-water extracts (OE), are rich in essential nutrients including glycogen, taurine, zinc, proteins, and amino acids. These extracts are increasingly utilized as dietary supplements and functional food ingredients. Primary applications include enhancing muscle function, exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, supporting gut health, and potentially alleviating menopausal symptoms. While research is ongoing, current evidence, including pilot human trials and animal studies, suggests a moderate but growing scientific basis for its health benefits. The supplement is generally considered safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in human studies at typical doses.

Benefits

Crassostrea gigas extracts offer several evidence-based benefits. A pilot randomized controlled trial demonstrated that 1.0 g/day of fermented oyster (FO) supplementation significantly increased knee flexor strength and improved peak torque in postmenopausal women over 12 weeks, indicating a benefit for muscle function. Animal studies suggest anti-inflammatory and gut health benefits; in a mouse model of acute colitis, oyster extract (OE) attenuated inflammation, improved fecal short-chain fatty acid profiles, and positively altered gut microbiota composition, suggesting potential for inflammatory bowel disease management. While direct evidence for C. gigas alone is limited, a systematic review and meta-analysis of East Asian herbal medicines (which may include oyster components) indicated some efficacy for menopausal insomnia, though more targeted research is needed to confirm this specific benefit for C. gigas.

How it works

The beneficial effects of Crassostrea gigas extracts are attributed to their rich nutritional profile, which includes zinc, taurine, glycogen, and various amino acids. Zinc is crucial for immune and muscle function, while taurine acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Glycogen provides an energy source, supporting overall cellular function. The anti-inflammatory effects are thought to be mediated by the modulation of gut microbiota and an increase in beneficial short-chain fatty acid production, which are known to regulate immune responses within the gut. Improvements in muscle function may stem from enhanced muscle metabolism and mitochondrial function, as evidenced by changes in biomarkers like creatinine and lactate. The water-soluble nature of these extracts facilitates absorption, though detailed pharmacokinetic studies are still needed.

Side effects

Crassostrea gigas extracts appear to have a favorable safety profile. A pilot human study reported no significant adverse effects when fermented oyster extract was consumed at doses of 1,000–1,200 mg/day for 12 weeks in healthy adults. Animal studies also support its safety at typical functional doses. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications widely reported in the literature. However, individuals with known shellfish allergies should exercise extreme caution and avoid Crassostrea gigas supplements due to the risk of allergic reactions, which can range from mild to severe. As with any supplement, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications. Long-term safety data beyond 12 weeks and at higher doses are currently limited.

Dosage

For muscle function benefits, effective doses of fermented oyster extract in human studies are typically around 1,000–1,200 mg/day. These dosages have been used for durations of 8 to 12 weeks to observe measurable improvements in muscle strength. While animal studies provide insights into doses for anti-inflammatory effects, human clinical data for these specific applications are limited. There is currently no established maximum safe dose, and doses exceeding 1,200 mg/day have not been thoroughly studied in humans. To optimize absorption, daily intake with meals is generally recommended. Consistent, longer-term use (e.g., 8–12 weeks) appears necessary for the benefits to manifest. Individuals should adhere to recommended dosages and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

FAQs

Is Crassostrea gigas extract safe?

Yes, at studied doses (1,000-1,200 mg/day), it appears safe with no major side effects reported in healthy adults. However, individuals with shellfish allergies should avoid it.

How soon do benefits appear?

Improvements in muscle strength have been observed after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent supplementation with fermented oyster extract.

Can it help with gut inflammation?

Animal models suggest potential benefits for gut inflammation by modulating microbiota and increasing beneficial fatty acids, but human data are currently lacking.

Is it effective for menopausal symptoms?

Evidence is indirect and limited, primarily from broader East Asian herbal medicine reviews. More targeted human trials specifically on C. gigas for menopausal symptoms are needed.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.935395/pdf – This pilot randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of fermented oyster extract (FO) on muscle function in postmenopausal women. It found that 1.0 g/day of FO supplementation significantly increased knee flexor strength and improved muscle biomarkers over 12 weeks, with no reported adverse effects, indicating its potential for muscle health.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8834099/ – This animal study explored the effects of oyster extract (OE) in a mouse model of acute experimental colitis. The findings showed that OE intake attenuated inflammation, improved fecal short-chain fatty acid profiles, and beneficially altered gut microbiota composition, suggesting its potential as a functional food for inflammatory bowel disease management.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1414700/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of East Asian herbal medicines (EAHM), which may include oyster components, for menopausal insomnia. It indicated some efficacy of EAHM for improving insomnia in menopausal women, though direct evidence specifically for Crassostrea gigas alone was limited and highlighted the need for further targeted research.