Fucothin is the brand name of a supplement that blends two extracts, seaweed and pomegranate. Fucothin purportedly increases metabolism, burns fat and promotes weight loss without stimulants. It's sold by Garden of Life. The active ingredient in Fucothin is Xanthigen, which is trademarked and sold as an ingredient in other supplements. Xanthigen's ingredient is fucoxanthin. Fucothin's makers claim its formula is concentrated and provides 250 to 500 more fucoxanthin than typical seaweed.
Pros
A 2007 clinical study by Dr. Z. Ramazanov titled "The effect of Xanthigen, a phytomedicine containing fucoxanthin and pomegranate seed oil, on body weight..." supports the claim that fucoxanthin helps to reduce weight. The trials included 150 women who lost an average of 14 1/2 pounds in 16 weeks. This was 4 1/2 times more weight lost than women who took the placebo.
The Garden of Life suggested price is comparable to other weight loss and dietary aids.
Fucothin doesn't cause jitters, loss of sleep or nervous feelings because it does not stimulate the central nervous system.
Fucothin is created from all-natural ingredients. According to Garden of Life, Fucothin ingredients are whole food-based concentrate from edible brown marine vegetables grown in the Canary Island waters. Fucothin is dairy free and contains no artificial colors or flavors.
Fucothin utilizes a thermogenesis process that helps the body increase the metabolic rate to burn fat. Thermogenesis is induced in Fucothin by fucoxanthin, which bypasses stimulatory receptors and addresses the process of energy distribution.
The makers of Fucothin maintain that the ingredient, fucoxanthin, used in its product provides powerful antioxidant effects that protects cells from free radical damage. Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid that gives brown seaweed its color and aids in photosynthesis.
Garden of Life claims fucoxanthin is the first ingredient derived from marine algae that has a clinically proven thermogenic effect.
Cons
The 2007 clinical study cited by Garden of Life was not for the Fucothin product or for the blend of ingredients. Clinical studies were for the individual ingredients.
There is no money-back guarantee that the product will work.
Consumers report missing a dose will cause a sluggish feeling. Two of three consumers report Fucothin as ineffective in their weight loss efforts.
The time it takes to realize an impact from Fucothin can be as much as six consecutive weeks.
As with most weight-loss supplements, Fucothin's effectiveness and claims are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Potential False Claims
The Federal Trade Commission has charged Garden of Life with making false claims about other dietary supplement products. The judgment was declared for Garden of Life to pay $47 million. A settlement was entered for a lesser amount.
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