Feeding preference of mice to Akamoku fucoidan

Abstract

Akamoku, Sargassum horneri, an alga, can be found around the Japanese coast. Hot water extraction of akamoku fucoidan prevents cancer, improves the immune system, and serves as food for maintaining good health. In this study, we were focused on how akamoku fucoidan affects the body weight, the amount mice can ingest, and their preference based on its ingredients. Akamoku fucoidan ingested BALB/c mice’s body weight gain and length of the small intestine did not change compared to control diet and mozuku fucoidan. However, mice that ingested akamoku fucoidan had significantly increased ingestion volume compared to control diet and mozuku fucoidan. Additionally, food composition analysis revealed that akamoku fucoidan were more abundant in amino acids than mozuku fucoidan. These results show that mice have a feeding preference for akamoku fucoidan.