Aquamin
Also known as: Lithothamnion sp., marine multimineral, seaweed calcium, Aquamin F, Aquamin-Mg, Aquamin Mg Soluble
Effective Dosage
800 mg calcium equivalent daily (from ~2.4 g Aquamin F); magnesium dose varies by form
What the Science Says
Aquamin is a natural multimineral supplement derived from red marine algae (Lithothamnion sp.) or seawater, providing calcium, magnesium, and over 72 trace minerals. Clinical trials lasting 90 days to 24 months show it may support colon health by improving gut barrier function and reducing inflammation markers, particularly in people with ulcerative colitis. It has also been shown to modestly lower LDL and total cholesterol in postmenopausal women and to improve bone mineral density with longer-term use, while its calcium form appears to suppress parathyroid hormone more effectively than standard calcium carbonate.
What It Doesn't Do
Not a proven cancer treatment or prevention — colon polyp data is mostly preclinical. Won't replace prescription medications for inflammatory bowel disease. No solid evidence it builds muscle or burns fat. The gut health benefits seen in small trials haven't been confirmed in large-scale studies yet. Don't expect dramatic results in under 90 days.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Aquamin is a natural multimineral supplement derived from red marine algae (Lithothamnion sp.) or seawater, providing calcium, magnesium, and over 72 trace minerals. Clinical trials lasting 90 days to 24 months show it may support colon health by improving gut barrier function and reducing inflammation markers, particularly in people with ulcerative colitis. It has also been shown to modestly lower LDL and total cholesterol in postmenopausal women and to improve bone mineral density with longer-term use, while its calcium form appears to suppress parathyroid hormone more effectively than standard calcium carbonate.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 800 mg calcium equivalent daily (from ~2.4 g Aquamin F); magnesium dose varies by form
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Good — in vitro digestion models show Aquamin-Mg has superior solubility compared to magnesium bisglycinate during gastric and intestinal phases. Aquamin F (calcium form) showed greater urinary calcium clearance and more prolonged PTH suppression than calcium carbonate in a clinical crossover study, suggesting better bioavailability than standard calcium supplements.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most gut health and UC trials are small pilot studies (8–28 subjects) — results need confirmation in larger trials
- The UC intestinal permeability study (PMID 41646788) is a preprint and has not yet been peer-reviewed
- Long-term safety data beyond 24 months is limited in the provided studies
- Calcium supplementation in general has been associated with cardiovascular concerns in some literature — though the 4-year follow-up in one Aquamin trial found no significant difference in cardiovascular diagnoses between groups
- Products vary significantly: Aquamin F (seaweed-derived, calcium-rich) and Aquamin-Mg (seawater-derived, magnesium-rich) are different products with different mineral profiles — check which form is in your supplement
Products Containing Aquamin
See how Aquamin is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-09