biostudies-literatureMaejima YJapan Science and Technology AgencyJapan Society for the Promotion of Science390https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12565729biostudies-literatureUnknown23(10)The global increase in life expectancy underscores the need to promote healthy aging, particularly by addressing age-related leaky gut syndrome, which contributes to systemic inflammation and chronic disease. This study focused on the sustainable production and functional development of Ulva meridionalis, a fast-growing seaweed, to improve gut health and mitigate the effects of aging. Using land-based aquaculture, a scalable cultivation system for U. meridionalis was established, and its polysaccharide, ulvan, was extracted. Ion exchange treatment enhanced the functionality of ulvan to produce ulvan-Na, which contains high levels of Na+ and conveys superior anti-aging properties. Ulvan-Na restored intestinal barrier integrity in aged mice by reducing serum LPS leveMarine drugsUlvan-Na, an Ulvan Subjected to Na+ Cation Exchange, Improves Intestinal Barrier Function in Age-Related Leaky Gut.PMC12565729JPMJSF23BD16K18874Maejima YOnda AHiraoka MNamba TMorioka YSato YfalseUlvan-Na, an Ulvan Subjected to Na+ Cation Exchange, Improves Intestinal Barrier Function in Age-Related Leaky Gut.The global increase in life expectancy underscores the need to promote healthy aging, particularly by addressing age-related leaky gut syndrome, which contributes to systemic inflammation and chronic disease. This study focused on the sustainable production and functional development of Ulva meridionalis, a fast-growing seaweed, to improve gut health and mitigate the effects of aging. Using land-based aquaculture, a scalable cultivation system for U. meridionalis was established, and its polysaccharide, ulvan, was extracted. Ion exchange treatment enhanced the functionality of ulvan to produce ulvan-Na, which contains high levels of Na+ and conveys superior anti-aging properties. Ulvan-Na restored intestinal barrier integrity in aged mice by reducing serum LPS leve2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Sep2026-05-15T03:17:10.57Z2026-05-15T03:11:56.378ZS-EPMC125657294114959310.3390/md23100390