Among all the properties related to seaweed, both those that have been known for a long time and those that have recently become popular, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic qualities stand out. These and more make this marine plant an excellent component for the health, nutrition and well-being of consumers.

Consequently, the value of the seaweed market is increasing considerably, forecasting growth of up to 9.5% from 2016, the initial year of analysis, to 2028. Currently the market value is about $4.9 billion and demand in the agricultural, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries will generate a significant increase.

But what makes them so great?

Algae have several benefits for our health: they increase thyroid function due to their abundant content of tyrosine and iodine, they are also rich in calcium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, folic acid, vitamin A, C, E and K.

They are an excellent alternative for weight control and to prevent cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, as well as different chronic disorders caused by obesity. In these cases, different commercial brands of seaweed contain low calories and are rich in fiber and other nutrients to fulfill the functions that consumers in this segment demand.

If we continue talking about cardiovascular diseases, we must recognize that they are the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting 423 million people, while another 463 million suffer from diabetes. And thanks to scientific advances and analyses carried out on seaweed, fucoxanthin has been highlighted as a component that controls blood sugar levels and therefore reduces the risk of diabetes.

Knowing these factors, it is logical to think of an increase in the demand for products containing seaweed, however, since the arrival of COVID-19, the supply chain of these products has been interrupted.

So... Drug or supplement or something else?

This depends entirely on the classification provided by its manufacturer, the regulatory rules governing its formula and the additional components the product contains. Still, the term supplement is the one that dominates in the minds of consumers.

It has been heard that they could serve as anti-cancer drugs because around the world and in different marine environments compounds have been found with the ability to fight some types of cancer, such as those found in various species of algae.

In some cases, the type and quantity of these compounds have been associated not only to the species, but also to the exposure and adaptation to extreme conditions in the environment, therefore, such compounds are related to the resistance and impediment of the development of cancerous cells in our organism.

On the other hand and in relation to cancer, chemoprevention has also become popular, since it refers to the use of natural, synthetic or biological agents that prevent, revert, suppress or avoid the progression of invasive cancer, and some of these agents are present in marine algae. Regarding this, it will be necessary for the interested consumer to consult his doctor or nutritionist to establish the indicated diet or dosage either in supplement or food format.

And there is more! Algae have found applications in the cosmetic industry because they are great sources of antioxidants as they contain Fucoxanthin, which has 13.5 times more antioxidant activity compared to vitamin E and is also believed to protect cell membranes.

Let's talk about algae supplements, how does the public prefer them?

Tablets are the preferred format in terms of supplements, because it is easy to identify the doses that each consumer needs, in addition to their practicality. Next are capsules and powders, although what is relevant for the consumer are the different properties of the algae and, in the last case, the additional ingredients they may contain, such as vitamins, minerals, among others.

This latest trend in adding extra benefits in each supplement has taken relevance in the industry and not only in terms of seaweed and its benefits, but throughout the nutritional and even cosmetic industry.