Lithothamnium: benefits, dosage, contraindications

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Phymatolithon calcareum is an alga belonging to the family of red algae, unattached, in the form of spherical and knobbly bushes living freely. Its pink-purple color, due to the presence of phycocyanin, turns white at the tips. This stony alga, due to its ability to absorb minerals from the water, is composed of 30% to 80% calcium carbonate. It also contains magnesium carbonate, a variety of trace elements, vitamins, and amino acids. Its main and most well-known location is along the European Atlantic coast. In Europe, it is also found in the Mediterranean Sea, the English Channel, and the North Sea on the seabed. The properties of Lithothamnium stem from its richness in calcium carbonate, and it contributes essentially to bone density and strength.

Other name(s) 

maerl

Scientific name(s)

Phymatolithon calcareum

Family or group: 

Aquatic organisms

Active ingredients:

Calcium

Magnesium

Iodine

Indications

Rating methodology

EFSA approval.

Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, including a significant number of patients (>100) with consistently positive outcomes for the indication.
Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, and including a significant number of patients (>100) with positive outcomes for the indication.
One or more randomized studies or multiple cohorts or epidemiological studies with positive outcomes for the indication.
Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or contradictory.
Lack of clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.

Bone Health
✪✪✪✪✪

Calcium plays an essential role in the formation, maintenance and strength of bones. Lithothamnium, due to its high calcium carbonate content, provides a source of calcium highly assimilable by the body. Its richness in minerals and trace elements (silica, manganese) reinforces the interest of lithothamnium to support bone health, cartilage, and dental enamel.

Posologie

posologieOral route

posologie700 - 3000 mg

Effect of Calcium Derived from Lithothamnion sp. on Markers of Calcium Metabolism in Premenopausal Women
Red Marine Algae Lithothamnion calcareum Supports Dental Enamel Mineralization

Acid-Base Balance
✪✪✪✪✪

Lithothamnium plays an essential role in maintaining the body's acid-base balance. Calcium carbonate is an antacid, which neutralizes both gastric acidity and tissue acidity (acidosis) associated with various conditions such as demineralization, cramps, and fatigue. Furthermore, a study demonstrated that calcium can stabilize the cell membrane, stimulate bicarbonate secretion, increase pH, and promote the regeneration of the gastric mucosa.

Posologie

posologieOral route

posologie700 - 3000 mg

Gastroprotective and toxicological evaluation of the Lithothamnion calcareum algae

Osteoporosis
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A study highlighted the potential of Lithothamnium in the prevention of osteoporosis, particularly in premenopausal women. This research, focused on the efficacy of calcium derived from Lithothamnium (commercialized as Aquamin F) compared to standard calcium carbonate and placebo, revealed promising results. Participants receiving Aquamin F showed significantly higher urinary calcium excretion, suggesting superior calcium absorption, a key factor in the prevention of osteoporosis. Interestingly, treatment with Aquamin F also led to a more pronounced and prolonged decrease in post-meal parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels compared to calcium carbonate and placebo. These results indicate not only better management of absorbed calcium by the body but also increased potential for Lithothamnium to improve bone health. This study suggests that Lithothamnium could represent a more effective option than traditional calcium supplements, offering a new promising path for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.

Posologie

posologieOral route

posologie2250 mg

Effect of Calcium Derived from Lithothamnion sp. on Markers of Calcium Metabolism in Premenopausal Women

Properties


Remineralizing

full-leaffull-leaffull-leaffull-leaf

Taking lithothamnium helps to compensate for losses in minerals, vitamins, and trace elements due to its richness in calcium carbonate, a form of mineral easily assimilable by the body. Lithothamnium is widely used for its remineralizing effects, especially in relieving muscle and joint pain.

Usages associés

Osteoporosis, Acid-Base Balance, Bone Health
A Mineral-Rich Extract from the Red Marine Algae Lithothamnion calcareum Preserves Bone Structure and Function in Female Mice on a Western-Style Diet

Safety dosage

Adult from 18 years: 700 mg - 3000 mg

Lithothamnium extracts contain between 30% and 80% calcium carbonate. The average recommended daily dose is 2 g.

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