Update 10/10/22. Limu Original is a superfood juice shot that is a member of the Lium family of supplements which also includes Limu Burn and the Limu Lean shake. All of the Limu supplements are said to be “superior liquid nutrition — all powered by a seaweed-based supernutrient called Fucoidan. “ In this review, I'll look at Limu Original juice and try to find research on it. I'll also look at what's said to be its main active ingredient too – fucoidan. Hopefully, what follows will give you a better idea if Limu is right for you.
What Is Limu?
Limu, also called Limu moui – is a brown seaweed or algae. The scientific name for brown algae is Phaeophyceae. It's pronounced (FI-oh-fEE-she-I).
The specific type of brown algae mentioned on the bottle of Limu is called Sphaerotrichia Divaricata. All Limu supplements contain this type of brown seaweed.
Like all plants, there are thousands of individual ingredients, although when it comes to Limu, one ingredient – called Fucoidan – is often highlighted as its main active ingredient. Fucoidan is pounced, “FU-coy-din.”
Limu Ingredients
According to the bottle, one 1 oz (30 ml) of Limu Original has 33 servings and the following nutritional information:
| Amount Per Serving | Percent Daily Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 7 | N/A |
| Total Carbohydrate | < 2g | < 1 % DV |
| Sugars | < 2 g | N/A |
| Proprietary Limu Blend | 25 ml | N/A |
In the table above, N/A = no daily value has been established.
The label states that the Limu blend comes from the whole plant (Sphaerotrichia divaricata). This is wise
because it's probable the whole plant has more nutrients than just a single portion (extract) of the plant.
Other Ingredients
The label also states that Limu Original also contains these other ingredients in a “Proprietary All Natural Flavor Blend”
- Organic papaya puree
- Organic mango puree
- Pear juice concentrate
- Apple juice concentrate
The product also contains sodium benzoate, malic acid, and potassium sorbate for freshness. The product also contains xanthan gum.
Limu Research
While there is research on fucoidan, does Limu – the supplement- have any published clinical studies?
While studies mention Limu – the seaweed – those discussing the Limu Original, the dietary supplement was not located. Therefore, I'm forced to conclude that at this time, Limu – the supplement – appears to have no published clinical studies.
What Is Fucoidan?
Fucoidan is a type of carbohydrate found in brown algae (also referred to as brown seaweed. It's sometimes also called a sea vegetable). Fucoidan is said to have a poor absorption (about 2% or so if rat studies are to be taken as an indication?). That said, some human studies show something is going on when people ingest this compound.
In this review there are many types of fucoidan that come from different species of brown algae. Limu gets its fucoidan from Sphaerotrichia divaricata also sometimes called Tongan Limu Moui.
What is fucoxanthin? This is another ingredient in brown algae and is pronounced fU-co-zan-thin. Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid (plant nutrient). There are several hundreds of carotenoid molecules. Fucoxanthin is just one of them. Beta carotene is another. Whether Limu has fucoxanthin is not known so this review won't include this compound.
There are MANY animal studies on fucoidan but in this review, let's focus mostly on the human research
Fucoidan Research
Fucoidan And Arthritis
In one study, researchers noted that 300 mg of a fucoidan extract helped pain levels in 96 people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. In theory, less pain might mean better ability to move around. The fucoidan used in this study did not come from limu but a different type of brown seaweed called Fucus vesiculosus, also known as bladderwrack.
Fucoidan And Cancer
At least one study has noted 3 grams (3000 mg) of fucoidan (taken from Tasmanian Undaria pinnatifida) given for 12 days was shown to improve immunity in people with a type of leukemia.
In another investigation, researchers noted fucoidan improved fatigue in people who were going through chemotherapy for colon cancer. In this study, people were given 150 ml/day of a liquid that contained 4.05 grams of fucoidan for 6 months. The fucoidan in this study was derived from a type of seaweed called Cladosiphon okamuranus. Test tube studies have also noted that fucoidan may have anti-estrogen properties. This might make it effective at some types of human cancers but more proof is needed to know for sure.
Fucoidan And Heart Disease
In one study, researchers gave 500 mg of fucoidan or a placebo to 25 overweight adults for 3 months. Compared to the placebo, those getting fucoidan, had reduced LDL (bad cholesterol), lower diastolic blood pressure, and increased insulin production.
Fucoidan And Immune System
Researchers in Japan have noted that 300 mg of fucoidan daily produced a more robust immune response to the flu vaccination than those who received a placebo. The fucoidan in this study came from Undaria pinnatifida.
Fucoidan And Colitis
Animal studies suggest fucoidan can reduce inflammation associated with colitis.
Fucoidan And Autism
There's no good proof fucoidan improves autism symptoms.
Limu And Alzheimer's Disease
One investigation found better short-term memory in older folks who took fucoidan. The type of seaweed used was Laminaria japonica A. Some supplements do contain this type. No good proof appears to show improvement from Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia.
What About Weight Loss?
Limu Original is not marketed to help people lose weight. Because the supplement has iodine, is it possible this mineral might increase thyroid hormone? If thyroid hormone was boosted, could this raise metabolism and help people lose weight? Can Lium then help hypothyroidism too? These answers are not known and require more study.
Where Can You Buy Fucoidan?
Yes, you can. You can likely find it at local health food stores and online like Amazon too. There are many brands of fucoidan supplements available. Studies showing which brand is the best to need to be conducted.
How Much Iodine Does Limu Contain?
Each 1 oz serving of Limu Original has less than 30 micrograms of iodine. This is very low. The low levels are attributed to the Tongan limu used in the product.
For more on brown seaweed, see these reviews:
Does Limu Original Have Any Sugars?
Limu Original has less than 2 grams of naturally occurring sugar per 2 oz serving. It also has
- no added sugars
- no artificial flavors
- no sweeteners
- no artificial colors
It also does not contain any high fructose corn syrup.
Is It Kosher?
Yes, Limu is Kosher, vegan, and gluten-free. Limu Original bottles contain no BPA (Bisphenol-A) (BPA) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
How To Buy Limu Origional?
Limu Original is usually obtained from a Limu distributor. If you don't know any and want to purchase it from the company, you can call them at 407- 548-3800. I'm sure they will be happy to help you.
Who Makes Limu Origional Juice?
The company is called The Limu Company LLC and their website is TheLimuCompany.com. The website was created in 2003 so it has been around a long time. That's good. The Better Business Bureau gives the Limu Company a rating of “A+.“ See the BBB file for updates and more information. The Company is located at 610 Crescent Executive Ct Ste 110, Lake Mary, FL 32746-2111. The company phone number is 407-548-3800.
Another name for the company is Ariix and NewAge.com (New Age Beverages Company). The Arix company is located in Utah, has been in business since 2011, and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. The New Age Beverage company also has an A+ BBB rating and has been in business since 2003. Together, this “Omni channel health and wellness firm” spans several companies and products, including Hiro, Zennoa, Skincerity by Lucim+, Tahitian Noni, and Slenderiiz.
How To Contact
The company's contact number is 407- 548-3800. Their contact fax number is 407 804-5488.
Limu Side Effects
Limu Original is likely safe for most healthy people. That said, here are a few things to think about. This list is not complete:
- Start with less than recommended for the first week
- Speak to your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Stop taking at least 2 weeks before having surgery
- If you take any medications, talk to your doctor first
- Fucoidan may have blood-thinning effects, so if you take anticoagulant medicine, talk to your doctor
Does Limu Origional Work?
While Limu may lack clinical proof, fucoidan (which is in the supplement) has been clinically studied. The few human studies available appear to show fucoidan may be having some effects, but more study is needed to know for sure. Because Limu Original is derived from the whole plant, if it does work, I think its effects might be more complicated than any single nutrient, including fucoidan.