At Rheal we're always on the lookout for new science-backed ingredients to incorporate into our products. We recently discovered Aquamin ® - a natural marine-sourced mineral complex that's an incredible source of more than 70 minerals. Adding Aquamin ® to our existing Gut Feel blend makes it better for your digestion and gut health than ever - with the same great benefits and taste as always.
Please note that we’ll be switching to our new Gut Feel recipe later this month.
Aquamin: Marine Minerals for Gut Health
What is Aquamin?
Aquamin® is a mineral rich seaweed, harvested off the coast of North West Iceland. It provides a natural source of Calcium (not from Limestone), as well as magnesium and over 70 other trace minerals.
The amazing seaweed which Aquamin® is derived from collects and stores nutrients throughout its life cycle. Studies have shown that this means the minerals work more effectively in synergy, as they're found together in their natural forms.
We’re always looking for ways to evolve our blends and make them even more effective. By adding Aquamin® to our existing Gut Feel blend, we have boosted its benefits with a natural source of calcium that further supports healthy digestion and gut health.
Sustainably Harvested Marine Calcium
One thing which makes Aquamin® special when compared with other sources of calcium is that it is sustainably sourced.
Rather than being purposefully grown and using up precious land resources, the seaweed from which Aquamin® is derived occurs naturally and plentifully in the ocean.
As the seaweed matures its mineral content increases, until eventually it becomes calcified and dies, and the mineral-rich 'fronds' of the seaweed break off and fall onto the ocean floor.
This means that there are huge deposits of seaweed which can be sustainably harvested. They're harvested carefully and intermittently to ensure the sea bed is not disturbed. What's more, only the nutrient-rich fallen remnants are collected - leaving the live seaweed to continue to grow and thrive.
In comparison to calcium carbonate, which is most often sourced from Limestone, Aquamin® is a far more sustainable source of calcium. Calcium carbonate derived from Limestone is considered less sustainable for several reasons related to environmental impact, resource extraction, and energy use.
100% Natural & Minimally Processed
Aquamin® is sourced from marine algae in its purest form, and has nothing artificial or unnatural added. It is sustainably harvested and processed using minimal, food-grade methods - without the use of chemicals or high heat.
Gut Feel provides a pure source of Aquamin® that is as nutritionally potent as possible. Our recipe remains 100% natural, and we never use artificial flavours, sweeteners or fillers.
How is Aquamin better than Calcium Carbonate?
Calcium carbonate is commonly used as a source of calcium for supplements and food products. However, it has some drawbacks when compared with Aquamin® - namely that it is not as sustainable or nutritious.
Calcium sourced from Limestone is not considered sustainable because it relies on non-renewable mining, which damages ecosystems, consumes significant energy, and contributes to carbon emissions. The quarrying process also causes habitat destruction and pollution.
In contrast, marine-sourced calcium like Aquamin® is renewable, eco-friendly and sustainable. It’s also highly soluble, gentle on digestion, and better absorbed by the body.
Backed by published clinical research for gut health and microbiome support, studies have shown that Aquamin® is more easily absorbed by the body, with longer-lasting effects on calcium metabolism. It also has a smoother taste and better solubility, making it ideal for use in food products such as Gut Feel.
Why have we added Aquamin to Gut Feel?
We've added Aquamin® to Gut Feel, our best selling blend, so that you can enjoy its amazing benefits in every serving - now with a natural source of calcium from seaweed, to contribute to normal functioning of digestive enzymes.
Health Benefits of Aquamin
Aquamin® provides calcium from seaweed, which supports digestion and digestive enzyme function, has a positive impact on the gut microbiome, and is more bioavailable than traditional calcium carbonate, meaning your body absorbs it better.
It's a science-backed ingredient with some great, credible published research supporting its benefits. In short, you’re getting even more nutritional support in every scoop.
Aquamin ® is a natural source of calcium that supports healthy digestion and gut health.
Gut Inflammation
A study by Aslam et al. (2009) found that the minerals in Aquamin® helped maintain a healthy digestive barrier, which is necessary to prevent chronic inflammation in the gut. Cells showed improved growth, health and function in the presence of Aquamin.
Aquamin® supplementation provided a significant reduction in several markers of inflammation in the gut (Aviello et al., 2013). A healthy, impermeable gut barrier is important as it prevents 'leakage' of undigested foods and bacteria into the bloodstream (as with Leaky Gut Syndrome).
Gut Microbiota
One study found that gut microbial diversity was significantly enhanced following a 90 day trial in which Aquamin® was compared to calcium alone or placebo.
This study also recorded an increase in the level of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), which are produced when good bacteria ferment indigestible foods. These are the main source of energy for cells lining the colon, making them crucial for overall gastrointestinal health.
Gut Barrier Health
A healthy gut barrier is essential to promote normal gastrointestinal function. It helps to trap viruses, bacteria and undigested food to prevent them from leaking into the bloodstream and causing inflammation.
Aquamin® has been shown to increase the production of proteins which prevent leakage by protecting cells in the digestive tract, as well as promoting healthy growth of new cells.
Aquamin ® is a multi-mineral complex and rich source of calcium, to help support healthy bones.
Aging & Post-Menopausal Women
Scientific evidence has shown that dietary intake of calcium and other minerals is crucial to slow age-related bone loss.
Slevin et al. (2014) investigated the impact of Aquamin® on bone health, specifically bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers in 300 healthy, post-menopausal women over 24 months.
This study found a reduction in spinal BMD compared to placebo, as well as a significant decrease in bone markers which indicate bone breakdown.
Protecting Bones During Exercise
Exercise can help to support bone health, by encouraging a healthy bone turnover which leads to a higher bone mineral density (BMD), and so stronger bones.
However, some none-weight bearing sports can lead to a decrease in BMD when exercise is both intense and frequent.
Studies (Barry et al. 2014, Shea et al. 2014) have shown that Aquamin® supplementation can offset the negative impact of intense exercise on bone health, in both males and post-menopausal women.
Results found that bone breakdown markers were significantly reduced when a sports drink supplemented with Aquamin® was consumed.
Joint Health, Osteoarthritis & Inflammation
Aquamin® could also help to lower inflammation, supporting both joint and bone health.
One study found that Aquamin® supplementation for 12 weeks resulted in reduced pain for all participants with arthritis. This was noted as clinically important, with the potential to reduce pain medication and associated undesirable side effects of this, by using a natural alternative with no known side effects.
Another study (O'Gorman et al. 2014) investigated the effect of Aquamin® on inflammation, finding a reduction in inflammation and pain due to the effect of Aquamin® on immune response pathways.
A Healthier Blend of the Gut Feel you Already Love
Our new and improved formula is the same Gut Feel you know and love, but new and improved with the addition of Aquamin®.
To make way for this new ingredient and keep your serving size the same, we've reduced the amount of Apple, Baobab & Barley Grass in the blend - very slightly. There's still 600mg Actazin® Kiwi per serving of Gut Feel, as well as 900mg Aquamin®.
Aquamin® is also really soluble, helping Gut Feel to be a little smoother when mixed with liquid.
And the price and serving size remain exactly the same. You’re simply getting more benefits for the same daily scoop of Gut Feel.
How much Aquamin ® is provided in a serving of Gut Feel?
Each 5g serving Gut Feel provides 900mg Aquamin. This is an effective serving amount, with most human clinical studies evidencing a typical effective daily dose of 800-1000mg Aquamin®.
Adding Aquamin ® to Gut Feel takes this superfood blend to the next level, naturally. With its highly bioavailable marine calcium and over 70 trace minerals, Aquamin ® not only supports digestion and gut health, but also stronger bones and overall mineral balance. By enriching Gut Feel with Aquamin, we’re delivering even more of the goodness your body needs - right where it matters most.
References
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Aslam, M.N., Bassis, C.M., Varani, J., et al., 2019. Aquamin improves the gut microbiota leading to a reduction in bile acids and a beneficial improvement in short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in humans.
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Aviello, G., Romano, B., Borrelli, F., et al., 2013. Aquamin reduces inflammation and improves survival in animal models of colitis.
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Barry, K.M., Taylor, D., and O’Callaghan, Y.C., 2011. Aquamin protects bone during vigorous exercise (male subjects).
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Cronin, H., Clarke, L.C., O’Sullivan, E., et al., 2016. Aquamin improves cardiovascular health in post-menopausal women preventing an increase in LDL and total cholesterol.
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Frestedt, J.L., Walsh, M., Kuskowski, M.A., and Zenk, J.L., 2008. Aquamin shown to reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis.
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O’Gorman, D.M., Tierney, C.M., Brennan, O., et al., 2012. Aquamin improves the growth, mineralisation and maturation of bone cells.
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Ryan, M.P., Rea, M.C., Fitzgerald, G.F., et al., 2011. Aquamin reduces activity of pro-inflammatory molecules.
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Shea, A., Barry, K.M., O’Brien, N.M., et al., 2014. Aquamin protects bone during exercise in post-menopausal women.
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Slevin, M.M., Allsopp, P.J., Magee, P.J., et al., 2014. Aquamin improves the bone health profile in post-menopausal women.
- Varani Lab, 2021–2023. Publications confirming Aquamin's efficacy in strengthening the gut barrier.
