The patent (No. 7,892,580) covers the process of producing a concentrated form of fucoxanthin while reducing heavy metals and iodine content commonly found in Wakame seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida).
The process allows a concentration of the fucoxanthin content from about 0.01 percent observed typically in the seaweed to 10.8 percent by weight.
Fucoxanthin, is a carotenoid found naturally in edible brown seaweeds like Wakame and Hijiki (Hijikia fusiformis). Previous research has found that fucoxanthin isolated from wakame can aid the loss of abdominal fat in mice.
The patent, “Process for producing a stable concentrated dietary supplement and supplement produced thereby,” is available here.