Marine healing is an integrative program that uses marine resources to alleviate physical and psychological discomforts; however, studies on its effects on serum metabolites are limited. We hypothesized that a short-term marine healing and additional sea mustard (Undaria pinnatifida) intake would affect serum metabolites in women, with effects varying by age. Thirty young (mean age: 20.2 ± 1.8) and 22 older women (mean age: 53.6 ± 4.6) participated in a 5-day marine healing program involving exercise and mind-body practices. Women were randomly assigned to a balanced control diet or one supplemented with sea mustard. The latter group also consumed sea mustard noodles for 14 days after completing the program. An additional city control group without intervention served as a control for older women (n = 20). Fasting serum was analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and changes were compared between treatment groups according to age. Serum triglyceride, fatty acid, and lactate decreased immediately after marine healing, with additional sea mustard intake resulting in increased serum 3-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate levels. When categorized by age, the effect of sea mustard intake on serum lipid metabolites were highly evident in older women. Serum amino acids increased in both age groups after marine healing regardless of sea mustard intake; however, few changes persisted through day 20. Short-term marine healing can influence lipid and amino acid metabolism, with additional intake of sea mustard enhancing lipid oxidation and energy metabolism especially in older women. Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0003307, KCT0004025.
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