New Research Highlights Marinova’s Fucoidan as a Prebiotic for Microbiome and Gut Health Support

Australian biotechnology company Marinova has announced that its high-purity Maritech Undaria pinnatifida extract has been scientifically validated as a prebiotic. The certified organic fucoidan ingredient is derived from sustainably sourced seaweed, the announcement from Marinova explains, also noting that fucoidan is a complex polysaccharide produced by brown seaweeds.¹

The Importance of a Definition for Prebiotics

The extract was validated using the International Probiotics Association’s criteria for prebiotics. “Marinova welcomed the International Probiotics Association’s (IPA) recent publication of criteria to scientifically validate prebiotics,” explained Marinova’s Technical Services Manager, David Gesch. “The rigorous framework will overcome confusion around the identification and efficacy of ingredients claiming to be prebiotics. Using the IPA's criteria, we are pleased to confirm that Maritech Undaria pinnatifida extract meets all the requirements of a prebiotic.” After bypassing digestion in the upper gut, prebiotics are fermented in the colon and feed beneficial bacteria, the company explains.

In 2025, the IPA announced that it had adopted the 2017 prebiotic definition from the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP).² “A common understanding of the term ‘prebiotic’ is critical for advancing scientific research, developing effective and evidence-based products, and ultimately making it easier for consumers to access the health benefits that prebiotics can provide,” Marla Cunningham, Executive Director of ISAPP, had stated in the announcement.

Research highlights the ability of fucoidan extracts to modulate the gut microbiome and support other functional health outcomes. The company emphasizes both mechanistic and applied data supporting fucoidan’s role in gut health formulations.

“The prebiotic validation is based on published scientific evidence,” added Gesch. “This includes the promotion of beneficial bacteria in the gut, in addition to supporting fermentation that produces beneficial short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate.”

Multiple Benefits of Fucoidan

According to Marinova, emerging evidence demonstrates that high purity fucoidan can beneficially influence gut microbial composition and metabolic activity. In a recent in vitro investigation using a validated human gut simulation model, supplementation with fucoidan derived from Undaria pinnatifida (UPF) was shown to enhance microbial diversity and promote favorable shifts in the colonic microbiota.³ “UPF supplementation over a three-week period had a profound butyrogenic effect while also enriching colonic microbial diversity, consistently stimulating saccharolytic genera, and reducing genera linked with potentially negative health effects in both regions of the colon,” the researchers stated in the study, also stating that “mild immune modulatory effects of UPF were also observed.”

In addition to gut health, Marinova continues to explore the broader physiological effects of fucoidan. Recent human clinical research has investigated its role in areas such as exercise performance, with a randomized controlled trial reporting improvements in peak power and lean body mass among participants supplementing with a fucoidan blend.⁴ “In conclusion, fucoidan supplementation during resistance training may provide a viable strategy for enhancing muscle anaerobic performance as well as improving metabolism and body composition,” the researchers stated.

Fucoidan Extraction and Impact

Marinova also highlights that its Maritech fucoidan extracts are produced using a solvent-free extraction process, are stable in multiple delivery formats, and its accreditations include FDA-notified Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status and novel food approvals in key global markets.⁵

The prebiotic category is evolving beyond traditional fibers to include marine-derived compounds like fucoidan. With continued investment in clinical and mechanistic research, fucoidan is emerging as a differentiated solution for formulators targeting gut health, immune support, and beyond.

This article was created with assistance from AI. The content has been reviewed and edited by Erin McEvoy, Associate Editor. For more information on the extent and nature of AI usage, please contact us.

References

1. Marinova. Marine prebiotics: Scientific validation for fucoidan. April 21, 2026. Accessed April 22, 2026. https://www.marinova.com.au/news/marine-prebiotics-scientific-validation-for-fucoidan/
2. Colli M. IPA announces adoption of ISAPP’s prebiotic definition. May 30, 2025. Accessed April 22, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/ipa-announces-adoption-of-isapp-s-prebiotic-definition
3. Wimmer BC, Dwan C, De Medts J, Duysburgh C, Rotsaert C, Marzorati M. Undaria pinnatifida Fucoidan Enhances Gut Microbiome, Butyrate Production, and Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects in an In Vitro Short-Term SHIME^® Coupled to a Caco-2/THP-1 Co-Culture Model. Marine Drugs. 2025; 23(6):242. doi: 10.3390/md23060242
4. Cousins SD, Kucewicz ST, Wundersitz DW, Collins BE, Cooke MB, McKeown N. Investigating fucoidan blend supplementation and resistance training in humans: a parallel randomized controlled trial design. Sci Repi. 2025;15:40249. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-24066-9
5. Marinova. Maritech® Undaria pinnatifida extract. Accessed April 22, 2026. https://maritechfucoidan.com.au/maritech-undaria-pinnatifida-extract/