Effect of Fucoidan Administration on Insulin Secretion and Insulin Resistance in Overweight or Obese Adults

The aim of this article is to evaluate the effect of fucoidan administration on insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in overweight or obese adults. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 25 obese or overweight volunteers. Thirteen patients received an oral dose of 500 mg of fucoidan once daily before breakfast and 12 patients received placebo for 3 months. Before and after the intervention, fasting glucose and 2-h postload, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin levels were measured. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and homeostasis model analysis formulas (HOMA) for beta-cell function and insulin resistance were calculated. The results showed a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (71.7 +/- 12.2 vs. 67.8 +/- 13.8 mmHg; P < .05) and LDL-C (3.1 +/- 0.5 vs. 2.7 +/- 0.6 mmol/l; P < .01) with increase in insulin levels (60.6 +/- 24.0 vs. 78.6 +/- 32.4 pmol/l; P < .05), HOMA beta-cell (35.0 +/- 20.8 vs. 50.6 +/- 18.7; P < .05) and HOMA IR (1.9 +/- 1.2 vs. 2.6 +/- 1.8; P < .05) were observed after fucoidan administration. We conclude that fucoidan administration during a 3-month period in overweight or obese adults decreased diastolic blood pressure and LDL-C concentrations, increasing insulin secretion and insulin resistance.