5 Science-Backed Red Marine Algae Benefits

In the last thirty years, the nutritional supplement industry has gone from a niche market to a booming enterprise, with 95,000 products hitting the scene in 2023 alone. Meanwhile, nearly three-quarters of American adults turn to dietary supplements on a regular basis.

And this is all for a good reason.

We know that a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is one of the keys to wellness and longevity—nutritional supplements may fill the gap where our diets fall short. In other cases, they have the potential to address specific health concerns, whether it’s vitamin D to boost bone health or elderberry to ward off a cold.

Chances are, you already have a suite of go-to supplements. One, however, may be missing from your tool kit: Red marine algae. This ecologically vital organism brims with health-promoting potential ranging from immune support to protection against oxidative damage.

Discover the benefits of red marine algae and why you may want to incorporate it into your supplement routine.

What Is Red Marine Algae?

Red marine is a catch-all term for roughly 6,000 Rhodotypa species, or a type of marine algae. Known for its vibrant red and pink hues, it’s been a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years.

Why?

Because these underwater gems may feature a wealth of biological properties like:

• Antimicrobial
• Antiviral
• Antioxidant
• Anticoagulant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antidiabetic
• Antiallergic

Given these properties, red algae have been used to treat a variety of health complications, such as:

• Goiter
• Edema (or swelling)
• Urinary infections
• Sore throats

Western medicine is just starting to unlock the possible powers of red algae. What we know so far is that one particular strain of red algae, Gigartina skottsbergii, may demonstrate superb potential, especially in terms of binding to SARS-CoV-2 (or the virus behind COVID-19) and improving immune function.

This highly active strain of red marine algae is a potent source of sulfated polysaccharides, or complex sugars that contain sulfur.

Sulfated polysaccharides have well-known antiviral properties and possess the ability to inhibit viral replication. In fact, sulfated polysaccharides have shown inhibitory effects on a range of viruses, including:

• Oral herpes
• Genital herpes
• Influenza
• HPV
• HIV

We’ll dive into this more shortly. In the meantime, let’s get a handle on what makes red marine algae such a promising supplement.

Nutritional Value of Red Marine Algae

Seaweed makes up a large part of the Japanese diet, which, with its fresh ingredients and gut-friendly foods, is widely considered one of the healthiest diets on the planet.

Red marine algae, or nori in Japanese culture, is part of it. The marine plant teems with nutritional powerhouses like:

• Protein
• Dietary fiber
• Essential fatty acids
• Oleic acid
• EPA
• DHA
• Sodium
• Iodine
• Amino acids
• Vitamins (including Vitamins A, C, and E, and Vitamin B complex)
• Magnesium
• Zinc

Red marine algae are also packed with polyphenols, or chemical compounds that brim with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects—and may shield your body from oxidative stress and the inflammation that arrives with it.

All of this may translate to enhanced overall health, but it also points to red marine algae’s potential to enrich wellness in a few distinct categories.

Science-Backed Benefits of Red Marine Algae

As discussed, we’re only now beginning to understand the full range of red marine algae’s perks. That said, it may play a significant role in preventing viral infections.

Antiviral Support

The sulfated polysaccharides abundant in red marine algae promote protection from viruses in several ways:

• Blocking the entry of viruses into their target cells
• Inhibiting the viral transcription and replication process within host cells
• Helping to activate the body’s own defenses against viruses

What’s more, the sulfated polysaccharides in red marine algae are believed to ramp up the production of interferons, which are key proteins within the immune system.

Put simply, interferons ‘interfere’ with viral infections by alerting the rest of the immune system to them. They trigger the immune system to prevent viruses from replicating, thereby stopping their proliferation.

Protection Against the Herpes Simplex Virus

Infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is extremely common:

• HSV-1, which manifests as cold sores and/or “fever blisters” near the mouth, affects 50 to 80% of American adults


• HSV-2, or genital herpes, affects one in six American adults between the ages of 14 and 49

Both oral and genital herpes tend to be asymptomatic, with many people being unaware that they are infected.

But, for some, these infections may lead to periodic outbreaks of painful blisters. Medication may reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms; however, once infected, a person will have the herpes simplex virus for the rest of his or her life.

Fortunately, red marine algae may help.

Research indicates that Gigartina skottsbergii is highly effective against the herpes simplex virus. How so?

Once again, this is thanks to Gigartina skottsbergii’s high concentration of sulfated polysaccharides, which may inhibit viral replication of the herpes simplex virus.

Additionally, an older study out of New Zealand demonstrated that another strain of red marine algae known as Gigartina atropurpurea had potent antiviral activity against HSV—again, due its large amounts of sulfated polysaccharides.

Boosted Management of Shingles

Shingles is a condition marked by a painful, blistering red rash that wraps like a band across one side of the face or body. It causes intense:

• Itching
• Burning
• Shooting pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Fever
• Headache

Only people who have been infected with chickenpox are susceptible to shingles. According to the CDC, about 1 in 3 people in the U.S. will develop shingles at some point in their lifetimes.

Shingles is caused by a virus known as the varicella zoster, or herpes zoster virus. When the virus first infects the body, it causes chickenpox. Once chickenpox clears, the virus moves into the nerve tissues near the spinal cord and brain.

There, it may remain dormant in these nerve cells for years. But the virus can reactivate, possibly even decades later. It can ‘reawaken’ and attack the nerve fibers that feed the skin, which leads to shingles.

We don’t fully understand what causes the virus to resurface this way. It may be that susceptibility to the virus increases as innate immune defenses weaken. Those over the age of 60 or with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk of developing shingles.

The shingles rash usually clears up within two to four weeks. Some people may require medical intervention such as:

• Antiviral medication
• Steroid ointments

For some, shingles may cause ongoing nerve pain called post-herpetic neuralgia.

Currently, there are no treatments available to eliminate the herpes zoster virus from infected individuals. The CDC recommends vaccination for the prevention of shingles, and researchers continue to search for alternatives for those who suffer from vaccine-resistant strains of the virus.

Interestingly, research is exploring the use of red marine algae as an alternative for those who suffer from recurring flare-ups with shingles, despite vaccination: A recent study found that the sulfated polysaccharides in red marine algae can block different stages of the herpes virus replication cycle, including penetration into host cells. This study concludes that sulfated polysaccharides are a beneficial natural agent that effectively inhibits infection by the herpes zoster virus.

Bolstered Immune Health

A strong immune system is crucial for fending off illnesses and diseases. With its impressive levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more, red marine algae may work toward strengthening your body’s ability to defend itself.

Improved Cardiovascular Wellness

A 2021 study featured in Marine Drugs demonstrated that red marine algae may support healthy cholesterol levels and improved cardiovascular function.

Common FAQs About Red Marine Algae

Intrigued by red marine algae’s nutritional DNA and the potential advantages of weaving it into your diet?

If so, you may have a few lingering questions. Here are the most common inquiries surrounding this supplement:

Can red marine algae nurture skin health?

Possibly. Red marine algae contains a host of substances that may nourish your skin, particularly in terms of:

• Operating as a moisturizer
• Staving off oxidative harm
• Combating inflammation
• Protecting skin from the effects of ultraviolet light
• Reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation

For these reasons, you may find red marine algae in an assortment of skincare products. However, it’s always best to check with your dermatologist before adding anything new to your skincare routine.

Who might benefit most from red marine algae?

Red marine algae’s exceptional nutritional profile suggests it may be appealing to anyone who’s devoted to improving their wellness.

It may be especially beneficial for those who have herpes simplex virus, as well as individuals who are especially interested in improving their immune health.

How can you take red marine algae?

Red marine algae is available in a handful of forms, including:

• Capsules and tablets
• Dried powder
• Snacks (such as nori)

Are there any risks with taking red marine algae?

Generally speaking, red marine algae is considered safe for consumption (the key here, as with most things in life, is moderation). However, it may not be right for individuals with:

• Thyroid issues (as red marine algae has a high iodine content)
• Shellfish allergies

Also, if you take a blood thinner medication, or have an underlying health condition, be sure to get the green light from your healthcare professional before adding red marine algae to your diet.

Boost Your Immune System With Red Marine Algae

Interested in reaping the potential benefits of red marine algae? Consider Vibrant Health’s clinically formulated Red Marine Algae supplement. With no proprietary blends and only the finest, most effective ingredients, our red marine algae supplement may give you everything you need to bolster your immune system and harness optimal health.