Could a seaweed supplement boost blood vessel function?
NCT ID NCT05651230
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a supplement made from seaweed, called rhamnan sulfate, can improve blood vessel function in middle-aged and older adults who have at least one risk factor for heart disease (like high blood pressure or obesity). Participants take the supplement or a placebo for three weeks each, with a two-week break in between. The goal is to see if this natural compound can help keep blood vessels healthy.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- rhamnan sulfate (a seaweed extract)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple dietary supplement to help protect blood vessels and reduce heart disease risk.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage trial with only 15 people. Results may not apply to everyone, and the supplement may not improve vascular function as hoped.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
15 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Apr 2023
- Finished
-
Feb 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
35 to 85 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease (e.g., dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, impaired fasting glucose) * a BMI of \<40 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * gastrointestinal disorders and/or renal disease * pregnancy or lactation * strenuous physical activity (\>3 times/week) * alcohol abuse
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Cardiovascular Aging Research Lab at UT Austin
Austin, Texas, 78712, United States
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