Maritech® fucoidan extracts, manufactured by Marinova, have gained novel foods status in the European Union. Extracted from Undaria pinnatifida and Fucus vesiculosus seaweed, these bioactive marine ingredients mark the first fucoidans to receive approval as novel foods.

The novel foods approval adds to the recent attainment of GRAS status in the US, and existing approvals in Australia, Canada and Asia. The official approval notice was issued by the Superior Health Council of Belgium on December 5th 2017.

Marinova’s proprietary, solvent-free extraction technology was a key factor in demonstrating substantial equivalence in the novel foods process. Using green-chemistry principles, the technology preserves the natural structure and bioactivity of fucoidan during extraction, resulting in an ingredient equivalent to fucoidan present in everyday-consumed seaweeds.

As a natural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of brown seaweed, fucoidan has been consumed and used therapeutically for hundreds of years. Seaweed remains a staple of the Asian diet and is rapidly growing in significance in Europe and other western countries as research continues to reveal its health benefits.

Extensive research has demonstrated the unique and diverse bioactivities of Maritech® fucoidan in a range of human health applications, including immune support, digestive health, anti-inflammation, viral inhibition and integrative oncology. These ingredients are the only certified-organic fucoidans in the world.

"The achievement of novel foods status truly sets Maritech® fucoidan apart from its competitors," commented Managing Director, Paul Garrott.

"Regulatory approval such as this is testament to the quality of our products and further consolidates our position as the leading manufacturer of high purity fucoidan extracts in the world".