Fucoxanthin gives brown seaweed its color. It is abundant in wakame and similar seaweeds. The pigment provides antioxidant activity.
People take fucoxanthin to support metabolism and encourage fat burning. Clinical research is limited and shows mixed results for weight management.
Daily doses range from 2 to 30 mg. Take it with a fatty meal to improve absorption. Short-term use seems well tolerated, but long-term safety data is lacking. The compound may mildly thin the blood, so caution is needed with anticoagulant drugs. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid fucoxanthin because safety information is insufficient.