Title:Seaweed Extract Improves Carbohydrate Metabolism in Overweight and Obese Adults
Volume: 17
Issue: 2
Author(s): Anita S. Elidottir, Kolbrun Sveinsdottir, Bergros Ingadottir, Olof G. Geirsdottir, Palmi V. Jonsson, Elisabeth Rothenberg, Ingibjorg Hardardottir, Jona Freysdottir and Alfons Ramel*
Affiliation:
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, Reykjavik,Iceland
Keywords:
Blood glucose, inflammation, insulin, renal function, seaweed extract, type 2 diabetes.
Abstract:
Background: Obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation and associated
with type 2 diabetes. Seaweed is one of the largest producers of biomass in the marine environment
and is a rich arsenal of functional ingredients that may possess the potential to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Objective: The aim was to investigate the effects of seaweed extract on glucose metabolism and
markers of inflammation in overweight and obese individuals.
Methods: Participants (N=76, ≥40 years, body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) who volunteered for this 10-
week randomized, controlled, doubly blinded intervention study, were randomized into an intervention
group (seaweed extract, 3 capsules=1200 mg/day) or a control group (placebo, 3 capsules/day).
The extract derived from the brown seaweed bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus). At baseline and
endpoint of the study, fasting samples were analysed for blood glucose, insulin, inflammation markers,
liver enzymes and creatinine (renal function).
Results: Drop out was 11.8% and not significantly different between groups. Fasting blood glucose
and insulin were improved at the endpoint in the intervention group, but no changes were observed in
the control group (corrected endpoint differences between groups: glucose=0.61 mmol/L, P=0.038;
insulin=0.72 μU/L, P=0.038). Measures of inflammation, liver enzymes and renal function did not
change significantly during the study.
Conclusion: Ingestion of seaweed extract over 10 weeks improves glucose metabolism without affecting
measures of inflammation, liver function or renal function.