A New Zealand-developed seaweed supplement, derived from mozuku and rich in fucoidan, is set to debut in the US health supplement market in early 2025.
This product has been developed through a collaboration between the University of Waikato and Premium Seas. The duo has developed a method to extract the carbohydrate molecule fucoidan from seaweed to transform it into a nutritional supplement.
Mozuku is a Japanese seaweed variety, known for having the highest fucoidan levels, making it a premium source.
According to the University of Waikato, fucoidan improves cardiovascular health, with anticoagulant and antithrombotic properties that may help reduce the risk of blood clots. Its anti-inflammatory action supports the maintenance of healthy blood vessels.
In August 2024, Premium Seas launched its fucoidan extract in Purify Me’s Pure Flow, a New Zealand-made supplement that promotes heart health, immunity, inflammation reduction, and overall wellness.
Initial market testing is underway in New Zealand. Premium Seas is said to be working on a comprehensive marketing strategy for the global launch based on initial sales traction and positive feedback from customers of the product.
According to Premium Seas founder and CEO Lucas Evans, the partnership with the University of Waikato has helped in developing the product, making it ready for international export.
Evans said: “Our partnership with the University introduced its technical expertise and resources to us which we otherwise would not have been able to access without significant capital injection.
“Our partnership is a glowing example of the meaningful support that universities can provide businesses like ours when working through the challenges of technical product development activities.”
University of Waikato senior research fellow Christopher Glasson, a marine science and aquaculture expert, supported Premium Seas in refining the fucoidan extraction process.
Glasson provided guidance during commercial-scale equipment trials, improving both product quality and fucoidan yield.
Glasson said: “The positive outcome is a testament to the hard yards put in by Premium Seas.
“It is great to have had the opportunity to work with such an awesome team of people. This includes the expert staff at The FoodBowl, where the successful scale up was achieved.”
Callaghan Innovation, Ferrier Research Institute, and the New Zealand Food Innovation Network also took part in the development of the new supplement. These partners provided their know-how in refining the extraction process and conducting product analysis.
Premium Seas is also negotiating the sale of its fucoidan extract to major business partners in Japan and China while exploring new product blends with this nutritional supplement.
