Microalgae hold a small but promising secret for those over the age 55

Fucoxanthin, a compound derived from the microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum, could emerge as a game-changer for memory retention in those aged 55 and over. A recent study involving 43 participants, aged between 55 and 75, found that supplementation with this extract showed promising effects in alleviating age-related cognitive decline.

An international team of researchers from Texas A&M University, in collaboration with the French company Microphyt, divided participants into two groups: one received a placebo, while the other was given 8.8 miligrams of fucoxanthin daily over a 12-week period.

The researchers assessed a range of factors, including memory, attention, sleep quality, and insulin levels, using cognitive tests and clinical analyses.

The findings reveal the potential benefits of this supplement. Participants who took fucoxanthin demonstrated notable improvements in memory, attention, and reaction time, alongside reporting better quality sleep and feeling more refreshed upon waking. Improvements in insulin sensitivity, a key marker of metabolic health, were also observed.

Fucoxanthin no only crosses the blood-brain barrier but also has antioxidant and anti-inflamatory properties that appear to safeguard cognitive function during ageing, the researchers explained in their study.

Despite these promising results, the researchers caution that further studies are needed to confirm these findings and fully understand the mechanisms involved. Nonetheless, the study offers a hopeful outlook for those seeking natural solutions to counteract cognitive decline, without significant side effects.

With an ageing population, innovations like this could prove invaluable in helping people maintain active and fulfilling lives well into their later years. Once again, microalgae show us that the ocean remains a vast and untapped reservoir of resources for humanity.