Fucoidan restores age-associated intestinal homeostasis in aged mice

With global aging, intestinal homeostasis disruption contributes to inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disorders. This study assessed fucoidan at doses of 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg in aged mice. The high dose (500 mg/kg) improved food intake, body weight and intestinal transit, and elevated α-amylase activity. It also relieved oxidative stress, strengthened intestinal tight junctions and restored mucosal morphology. Multi-omics analyses revealed that fucoidan reshaped the gut microbiome—enriching beneficial taxa (e.g., Akkermansia ) while suppressing opportunistic pathogens—and increased short-chain fatty acid production. Untargeted metabolomics indicated enrichment of antioxidant and barrier-protective metabolites and clearance of cytotoxic compounds, with key impacts on amino acid, lipid, and energy metabolism. Overall, fucoidan systematically restores aging intestinal homeostasis via a “microbiota–metabolite–host” axis, supporting its potential as an anti-aging functional food.