Wakame is Rich in Fucoxanthin

Two species of Fucoxanthin rich brown seaweed are commonly referred to as Wakame. These species are abundantly produced in seaweed farms, while limited amounts are still harvested from wild undersea forests. Both contain high levels of Fucoxanthin; both are consumed fresh and limitedly in extracted supplement form. Because Fucoxanthin, as a supplement, has gained recent popularity the demand for Wakame as a source for the supplement is increasing and more countries are seeing the benefits of commercially cultivated brown seaweed, rich in Fucoxanthin.

Alaria Esculenta is often referred to as Atlantic Wakame and is grown commercially off the coast of Ireland and other similar regions. Atlantic Wakame is rich in Fucoxanthin, is used to produce supplements and is a favorite either fresh or dried. Fresh Atlantic Wakame tastes very much like rocket, a leafy green vegetable similar to lettuce. Dried Atlantic Wakame has a mildly sweet flavor. Atlantic Wakame grows primarily is exposed rocky coasts in Europe and North America in cool shallow waters. Harvesting this Fucoxanthin rich wild Wakame has proven difficult. Several methods of cultivation are providing an abundance of Atlantic Wakame that is more easily harvested.

Irish producers of Fucoxanthin rich Atlantic Wakame are cultivating and harvesting this seaweed from crystal clear waters off the western coast. Most Atlantic Wakame is a vigorous species and grows quite quickly, but does not compare to its Japanese cousin in size or invasiveness.

Japanese Wakame has been in cultivated production in Japan since the early 1960's when their natural resources began to deplete. Japan cultivates Wakame for human consumption and supplements containing Fucoxanthin and a host of other uses. These days most Wakame in Japan in commercially cultivated for harvest. Very few companies still harvest wild brown seaweed for human consumption and Fucoxanthin supplements. Harvesting of Fucoxanthin rich Wakame takes place from February through the end of March, this is when the seaweed reaches its maximum size. Because fresh seaweed deteriorates quickly most brown seaweed is dried naturally before shipping.

The Japanese Wakame, Undaria Pinnatifida, is considered a fast growing invasive weed in many countries. This Fucoxanthin rich brown seaweed grows in an annual life cycle, from spore to maturity in one year, it grows best in cold waters from low tide line to 40 feet below the surface in clear water. Because Japanese Wakame has the ability to reproduce at a rapid rate in a variety of locals, this brown seaweed is establishing itself in areas never before inhabited; Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Though Wakame is a common type of brown seaweed, other brown seaweeds rich in Fucoxanthin are utilized in the production of natural supplements. Laminaria Japonica is one brown seaweed harvested more for supplements containing Fucoxanthin, while Undaria Pinnatifida and Alaria Esculenta, both rich in the naturally occurring carotenoid Fucoxanthin, are species of brown seaweed mainly grown for human consumption.

To produce supplements and extracts containing Fucoxanthin, it can take almost 40 pounds of fresh brown seaweed to produce just one pound of extract used in supplements. Because Fucoxanthin has been the subject of numerous recent studies, a surge in Wakame for supplement production is gaining. Despite inconclusive results revolving around Fucoxanthin studies, Fucoxanthin supplements may soon be more readily produced from all three common brown seaweed.

Many companies around the world are recognizing the potential for seaweed cultivation and farming. As studies continue to praise the effects of seaweed and seaweed supplements including Fucoxanthin, the seaweed industry will continue to grow in popularity as a viable resource with great potential in an emerging market.

Sources:
THE SEAWEED INDUSTRY
Phaeophyceae: Brown Algae

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