Intro

     Focusing on anti-aging goes beyond simply being healthier and resistant to diseases, or even meeting defined parameters of perfect health. There is deserved attention for approaches such as increasing NAD+, resveratrol, senolytics, select amino acids, inducing autophagy, and simply refining lifestyle habits. Something that does not get as much attention is fucoidan, a carbohydrate derived from various species of algae that make up seaweed. Learning more about this helps to understand where other beneficial compounds compare in terms of their approach and efficacy.

     Before I began researching fucoidan I thought it was a recently discovered idea and that there would be no anecdotal evidence demonstrating long-term efficacy for lifespan & healthspan. However, I read on Wikipedia that "evidence of their use" goes back to 12,000 BC (for which they found & are citing this source). Simply consuming the available species of algae on the west coast of South America at the time, however, leaves much room for improvement in regards to eliciting SIRT6 function, which is associated with explicit anti-aging effects.

     Other purported benefits described in research are often at least related in some way to senescence, such as reduced frailty, anti-inflammatory immune system modulation, and specific benefits to muscles & strength as well as athletic stamina.

An Ideal Candidate

     An alternative to resveratrol for sirtuin activation may be desirable, as Dr. Michael Gregor highlights research suggesting that it may negatively affect brain size, as well as inhibit benefits normally resulting from exercise. Furthermore, there is a proposed idea that I was made aware of from "Wellness Messiah with Rimon" on YouTube—whom has many videos highlighting resveratrol research—discussing atypical considerations for taking resveratrol. He has discussed that taking a 'high dose' may correspond to an increased rate of aging alongside an anti-cancer effect, whereas a lower dose would be beneficial for longevity, but possibly with more of a cancer risk. Even resveratrol proponent Dr. David Sinclair in an interview has referred to it as a "dirty molecule."

     Similarly, in an interview with researcher Dr. Vera Gorbunova (whom is also a proponent of hyaluronic acid when it comes to aging), she has briefly mentioned that some variations of the fucoidan molecule may either have no effect, or possibly even have the opposite effect, as in blocking SIRT6 rather than activating it. It would justify a higher cost if they can isolate molecules proven in some way to have an effect among variations of the molecule found in nature, as opposed to simply eating the algae. Being careful with things like dose, source, and molecule forms can mean the difference between desirable effects and possibly even the opposite of what was intended.

     Addressing a topic at the forefront of anti-aging, fucoidan has been regarded as having a greater influence on SIRT6 than resveratrol and with demonstrated superiority compared to many other molecules. That said, resveratrol may benefit other sirtuins better, so possibly combining both would achieve the best results. Whereas SIRT6 has multiple distinct functions, fucoidan is referred to in research as having exhibited uniqueness in its ability to increase the activity of more than one. Some level of NAD+ is understood to be required as part of the beneficial functioning of SIRT6.

Details of Benefits

     Although as of this writing there are new approaches to increasing NAD+ on the market, something like parsley (one of my top rated health foods) which may be effective at decreasing the NAD-consuming enzyme CD38 (I like this 4-minute YT video where NAD is discussed), and niacinamide (a precursor nutrient) may help result in more bioavailable NAD+ without a necessary change to supplement regimen or cost. Fucoidan can be pricey. Personally, I am interested in taking fucoidan, but I am satisfied at this point just getting a clearer picture of the nutraceutical & supplement landscape.

     Most sources online refer to few or no known side effects, but contraindications like interaction with other drugs should be taken into consideration by anyone thinking of taking fucoidan. Among reviews of various brands selling it online, many state that they have yet to notice a difference, others claim that they feel more energy, and in some cases that it has even helped treat diseases. Mozuku, one of the algae species containing fucoidan, is consumed in Okinawa which is anecdotally widely-known to historically be one of the longest-living geographies. In his praiseworthy book, titled Jellyfish Age Backwards, author Nicklas Brendborg highlights how many species exhibit different aging-related events, and in many cases it is stressors that activate anti-aging pathways.

Further (thoughts and summary)