A Multi-Mineral Intervention Improves Intestinal Permeability in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: Results from a 90-Day Pilot Trial
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: ABSTRACT Introduction Previous studies have shown that Aquamin ® , a multi-mineral extract from red marine algae, enhances barrier integrity proteins in the human colon. These findings prompted further investigation into Aquamin ® ’s effects on gastrointestinal barrier function and permeability. Methods Subjects with mild or in remission ulcerative colitis (UC) and healthy controls were enrolled in an open-label trial and received Aquamin ® capsules (800 mg calcium/day) for 90 days. Intestinal permeability was evaluated before and after the 90-day intervention by urinary mannitol excretion after ingestion of a 5 g mannitol solution, with collections across several time intervals (pre-drink, 0–2 h, 2–8 h, and 8–24 h). The primary outcome was the change in mannitol excretion. Serum samples were also collected to assess liver and renal function. Results In this pilot study ( NCT04855799 ), which included UC patients and healthy controls (n = 8 per group), baseline urine mannitol levels in the 0–2 h sample were 54% higher in UC patients compared to healthy subjects (p = 0.006). Following 90 days of Aquamin ® supplementation, urinary mannitol levels in UC patients decreased by 28%, 26%, and 41% at the 0–2 h, 2–8 h, and 8–24 h timepoints, respectively; the reduction at the 0–2 h interval reached statistical significance (p = 0.015). Overall, Aquamin ® supplementation reduced total post-intervention mannitol excretion by 29% (p = 0.024). Aquamin ® was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. The serum metabolic panel revealed a modest but statistically significant reduction in alkaline phosphatase levels after 90 days of intervention. Conclusion These results provide preliminary evidence that Aquamin ® supplementation beneficially modulates gut barrier function and supports epithelial integrity in UC patients. These findings support further investigation of Aquamin ® as a safe and promising adjunct to current UC management strategies, with potential utility as a barrier therapy in UC. Summary Aquamin ® supplementation for 90 days reduced intestinal permeability in ulcerative colitis patients, as measured by urinary mannitol excretion. The intervention was well tolerated, suggesting Aquamin ® may be a safe, promising adjunct for enhancing gut barrier function in UC management.
Source: medRxiv
Institutions: University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine
Language: English
Topic: Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: National Institutes of Health
OpenAlex ID: W7126193382