FucoThin is a weight-loss product that consists primarily of the seaweed-derived ingredient fucoxanthin. FucoThin contains 5 mg of fucoxanthin per serving. Fucoxanthin has been widely touted as a weight-loss ingredient, and some studies on rodents suggest it may be useful in this respect. However, there is a lack of human studies to substantiate these findings. Other ingredients in FucoThin, which is made by Garden of Life, are pomegranate seed oil, purified water and gelatin. FucoThin is not considered a medical treatment for any condition.
Thermogenic Effects
According to Diets in Review.com, a study conducted at Japan's Hokkaido University reported that fucoxanthin appears to have a thermogenic effect in mice. Thermogenesis is an increase in body temperature which facilitates increased metabolism and fat-burning ability. Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D., cites a study presented at the American Chemical Society meeting, which suggests that adding brown marine vegetation to the diets of animals may reduce white fat in the body. However, these results have not been substantiated by human studies, and fucoxanthin is not known as a medical approach to weight loss.
Thyroid Effects
Brown seaweed is high in iodine which plays an important role in the production of thyroid hormones. Because hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain, seaweed-derived products are frequently used as herbal thyroid remedies. Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D., reports that too much iodine in a fucoxanthin product may lead to hyperthyroid problems such as goiter. Talk to your doctor about your thyroid levels prior to taking FucoThin or any other herbal supplement that contains iodine.
Pomegranate Seed Oil Benefits
Although pomegranate seed oil is a secondary ingredient in FucoThin, it boasts benefits of its own. According to Mountain Rose Herbs, pomegranate seed oil contains punicic acid, thought to be similar to conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA. Punicic acid is believed to support the immune system and prevent obesity. Pomegranate seed oil also contains phytoestrogens which may be useful in relieving PMS or menopause symptoms. However, pomegranate seed oil is not proven as a medical treatment for any of these conditions.
Lack of Stimulants
One of the most noteworthy benefits of FucoThin is its absence of stimulants, reports Diets in Review.com. Because many thermogenic diet pills are aimed at increasing metabolism, many of them contain caffeine or other stimulants. FucoThin, however, relies solely on the basic ingredients of brown seaweed and pomegranate seed oil.
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