UK Company Solves Prebiotic Problem with Low-Dose Seaweed Extract Proven to Work Without the Bloat

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Sep 24, 2025, 09:48 ET

Clinical study shows OCEANIUM's OCEAN ACTIVES® H+ delivers meaningful gut health benefits at a 95% lower dose than traditional prebiotics

OBAN, Scotland, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- European Marine Science Park -- UK biotech company OCEANIUM has clinically proven that gut health need not require large doses or lead to uncomfortable side effects. Their new seaweed-derived ingredient, OCEAN ACTIVES® H+, delivers the same microbiome benefits as traditional bulky prebiotics with only 250 mg per day – about the size of a vitamin C tablet.

The breakthrough addresses a major consumer pain point: conventional prebiotics like inulin, GOS, and FOS require 5-10 grams daily and often cause gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort that drives people to quit taking them.

"Consumers kept telling us that although their prebiotics work, they couldn't handle the side effects,'" said Neil Waslidge, R&D Manager, OCEANIUM. "Our seaweed extract changes that as one tiny dose gives you powerful gut health benefits with 87% less gas production."

Clinical Results Speak for Themselves

A 12-week, double-blind study published in the peer-reviewed journal Microorganisms tracked 40 healthy adults taking either OCEAN ACTIVES® H+ or a placebo. The results were dramatic:

29% reduction in harmful bacteria linked to bloating and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Nearly 9x improvement in the ratio of beneficial to harmful bacteria
20% increase in butyrate production, a key compound that strengthens gut lining and reduces inflammation
33% stronger anti-inflammatory response reducing risk of gut flare-ups and discomfort after eating
Significant growth in beneficial bacteria strains that support immune function and cholesterol management

Importantly, participants reported minimal digestive side effects – a stark contrast to high-dose fiber supplements that commonly cause gas and bloating.

Beyond Gut Health: Emerging Systemic Benefits

While the published study focused on digestive health, OCEANIUM's other research suggests OCEAN ACTIVES® H+ may influence multiple body systems with evidence pointing to potential benefits for:

Immune function through increased beneficial bacteria diversity
Skin health via reduced inflammation and improved nutrient absorption
Blood sugar regulation through enhanced carbohydrate metabolism
Mental clarity and mood through gut-brain axis modulation

Sustainable Innovation Meets Market Demand

OCEAN ACTIVES® H+ is extracted from Saccharina Latissima, a type of sustainably farmed kelp. As this seaweed grows, it improves ocean health by absorbing carbon and excess nutrients.

"Consumers increasingly want products that benefit both personal and planetary health," said Karen Scofield Seal, CEO and co-founder, OCEANIUM. "Our seaweed farming partners are essentially carbon-negative food producers, which aligns perfectly with sustainability-focused brands."

OCEAN ACTIVES® H+ dissolves easily in water, making it suitable for everything from capsules and gummies to beverages and functional foods. With self-affirmed GRAS status in the US, it is ready for immediate commercial use. The company is currently conducting additional studies to further validate the systemic health benefits and expects to announce partnerships with major supplement and functional food brands in the coming months.

OCEANIUM: Strong Science and Market Ready

OCEANIUM has positioned itself at the intersection of human health and ocean regeneration. The company's proprietary green extraction technology maximizes bioactive compounds from sustainably sourced seaweed to produce high-purity bioactives for health and skincare (OCEAN ACTIVES® C+), and superfood ingredients for humans and pets.

OCEANIUM's business-to-business (B2B) model supplies sustainably sourced, traceable ingredients to help companies meet UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets and consumer demand. By driving demand for seaweed – a low-resource crop requiring no land, freshwater, or fertilizers - OCEANIUM supports regenerative aquaculture and contributes to six UN SDGs.

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