Aquamin® has recently garnered attention as a potential remedy for the widespread issue of mineral deficiencies, particularly in magnesium and calcium. While dietary supplements are commonly used to address these deficiencies, many existing products suffer from low solubility, reducing their effectiveness and often leading to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea.
Recent research published in Science Direct has highlighted Aquamin, a marine-derived multimineral product, as an effective alternative. This research focuses on two specific forms: Aquamin-Mg, rich in magnesium and sourced from seawater, and Aquamin F, a calcium-rich supplement derived from seaweed. Both forms have shown promise in overcoming the solubility challenges that limit the efficacy of traditional supplements.
Why Solubility Matters in Magnesium Supplements
Solubility is crucial for the effectiveness of any mineral supplement. Minerals need to dissolve in the digestive system to be properly absorbed by the body. Unfortunately, many commercially available magnesium supplements, like magnesium oxide, have poor solubility, leading to limited absorption and effectiveness. Simply increasing the dosage isn’t a viable solution, as it can worsen gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, especially when unabsorbed magnesium salts accumulate in the intestine.
In this study, researchers compared the solubility of Aquamin-Mg with two popular commercial magnesium bisglycinates using the INFOGEST in vitro digestion model. The findings were promising—Aquamin-Mg exhibited superior solubility, particularly during the gastric and intestinal phases of digestion when food was present. This suggests that Aquamin-Mg may offer a more bioavailable form of magnesium, potentially leading to better absorption and fewer side effects.
The Potential of Combining Magnesium and Calcium Supplements
Building on these findings, another study explored the potential benefits of combining Aquamin-Mg with Aquamin F, resulting in a supplement known as Aquamin MMB. This combination was tested in a small group of healthy older adults over a 12-week period. Given the prevalence of magnesium and calcium deficiencies in older populations, this study provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of marine-derived supplements in addressing these deficiencies.
The study reported positive results—Aquamin MMB was well-tolerated, with no significant adverse events, suggesting it could be a safe and effective option for older adults. The high solubility of Aquamin-Mg likely played a key role in these outcomes, as it facilitates better absorption and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal distress associated with less soluble magnesium salts.
Moreover, the inclusion of over 72 trace minerals in Aquamin-Mg may enhance its effectiveness. Research suggests that minerals often work better when taken together, potentially boosting their bioavailability and overall health benefits. This synergy could make Aquamin MMB a superior supplement compared to other commercially available options.
A Promising Future for Aquamin
The studies on Aquamin-Mg and Aquamin MMB highlight the potential of marine-derived supplements as effective solutions for addressing mineral deficiencies. The superior solubility of Aquamin-Mg, particularly when combined with Aquamin F, suggests that these products could offer enhanced bioavailability and fewer side effects than traditional magnesium supplements.
While these findings are promising, further research is needed to fully establish the long-term efficacy and bioavailability of these marine-derived supplements in larger, more diverse populations. As the search for effective dietary supplements continues, products like Aquamin-Mg and Aquamin MMB represent a promising direction for the future of mineral supplementation.
Link to study: Science Direct.
