Seaweed supplement may help leaky gut in bowel disorders

NCT ID NCT04855799

Completed Disease control Sponsor: James Varani Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a seaweed-derived supplement called Aquamin® can reduce gut permeability (often called 'leaky gut') in people with ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, and healthy volunteers. Thirty-five adults took Aquamin capsules for 90 days. Researchers measured changes in urine levels of mannitol, a sugar that indicates how much material passes through the gut wall. The goal was to see if Aquamin could help tighten the gut barrier.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Aquamin (a calcium-rich supplement from seaweed)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a dietary supplement that helps manage gut barrier function in people with ulcerative colitis or IBS-D.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with only 35 participants, and it measures a biomarker (gut permeability) rather than direct symptom improvement. Results may not lead to a treatment.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

irritable bowel syndrome ulcerative colitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEALTHY IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME WITH DIARRHEA ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Michigan Hospital

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

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