FucoVital® inhibits fatty acid accumulation in liver cells in vitro and reduces triglycerides levels in patients with NAFLD

Abstract

Background

Fucoxanthin (FX), a carotenoid primarily found in brown seaweed and diatoms, has shown potential in addressing obesity and risk factors of metabolic syndrome, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). FucoVital®, a microalgae-derived FX, offers a clean and high-quality alternative to seaweed-based sources.

Objective

First, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of FucoVital® compared to a commercial FX product and Silymarin, a potential hepato-protective agent, in an in vitro fatty liver model. Second, the study assessed the impact of FucoVital® consumption on biochemical markers in a prospective clinical trial of NAFLD patients.

Methods

An in vitro fatty liver model was created using human hepatic HepG2 cells, which were treated with varying concentrations of FucoVital®, commercial FX, and Silymarin. In the clinical trial, 32 adults with NAFLD were randomized to receive either FucoVital® or placebo for 12 weeks, followed by an open-label phase with FucoVital®. The primary endpoint was changes in liver enzyme levels, while secondary endpoints included lipid profiles, glucose, and inflammatory markers.

Results

In vitro, FucoVital® significantly inhibited fatty acid accumulation, outperforming both commercial FX and Silymarin. In the clinical study, FucoVital® did not achieve the primary endpoint of reducing liver enzyme levels compared to placebo. However, it significantly reduced triglyceride levels (-16.33 mg/dl vs. +19.81 mg/dl; p = 0.031). Non-significant trends toward improved insulin and glucose levels were also observed.

Conclusion

FucoVital® effectively inhibited fatty acid accumulation in vitro. While it did not improve liver enzymes in the clinical trial, it significantly reduced triglyceride levels and showed trends toward better glucose and insulin regulation. These findings suggest FucoVital® may benefit patients with metabolic syndrome. Further studies are needed in larger and more diverse populations to better understand its metabolic effects and mechanisms of action in human liver health.