Assessing the effects of spirulina extract on lipid and carbohydrate digestion processes

Researchers from Shikoku University School of Health Sciences and Shokei Junior College in Japan report that spirulina extract may be used to reduce lipid levels in people with metabolic syndrome. In their study, which was published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements, they examined the effect of spirulina extract on lipase and alpha-glucosidase activities.

• Eating too many calories is one of the main causes of metabolic syndrome.
• The most effective ways to avoid metabolic syndrome, the disorder of energy utilization and storage, are following a well-balanced diet and doing moderate exercise.
• Metabolic syndrome may also be improved by delaying and reducing the digestion and/or absorption of energy sources, lipids, and carbohydrates.
• For the study, the researchers tested the effect of a protein-deprived extract prepared from blue-green algae spirulina (Spirulina platensis) on metabolic syndrome.
• The results showed that the spirulina extract inhibited lipase activity only.
• This suggests that the extract prevented the increase of triglyceride levels by reducing the absorption and digestion of lipids in the intestinal tract.
• The researchers suggest that nonprotein compounds of spirulina may be responsible for this effect.

In conclusion, the findings indicate that protein-deprived spirulina extract may be used to improve metabolism by reducing the absorption of lipids in people with metabolic syndrome.

To read more studies on the health benefits of spirulina, visit Spirulina.news.

Journal Reference:

Kishibuchi R, Nishibori N, Sagara T, Morita K. PUTATIVE EFFECT OF SPIRULINA EXTRACT ON ENZYME ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATING IN LIPID AND CARBOHYDRATE DIGESTION PROCESSES. Journal of Dietary Supplements. 29 June 2018; 1-9. DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2018.1472166