Evidence supporting the use of: Algal protein
For the health condition: Metabolic Syndrome
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Algal proteins, derived from sources such as spirulina and chlorella, have been investigated for their potential role in supporting or treating metabolic syndrome. Scientific interest arises from the rich nutrient and bioactive compound profile of these algae, which include high-quality proteins, antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Several preclinical studies in animal models have suggested that supplementation with algal proteins or whole algal biomass may improve lipid profiles, reduce oxidative stress, attenuate inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity—all key factors in metabolic syndrome.
However, human clinical evidence remains limited and inconsistent. Some small trials have reported modest improvements in blood lipid levels, blood pressure, and markers of glycemic control in individuals consuming spirulina or chlorella supplements, but these studies often lack rigorous controls, have short durations, or use mixed interventions. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses note a potential benefit, particularly in lowering triglycerides and total cholesterol, but emphasize the need for larger, better-designed clinical trials.
In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary evidence supporting the use of algal proteins for aspects of metabolic syndrome, the strength of the evidence is currently modest (rated 2 out of 5). Further high-quality research is necessary to confirm efficacy and establish optimal dosing.
Other ingredients used for Metabolic Syndrome
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)7-Keto-DHEA
Acai berry
Akkermansia muciniphila
algal oil
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
anchovies
anthocyanins
asparagus
bacillus subtilis
banaba
barley
berberine
beta-glucan
beta-sitosterol
Bifidobacterium longum
bitter melon
black garlic
blueberry
Brussel sprouts
butyrate triglyceride
campesterol
camu camu
canola oil
caterpillar mushroom
chia seed
chokeberry
chromium
cinnamon
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
turmeric
curcumin
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
flaxseed
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
ginger
glucomannan
guar gum
hydroxycitric acid
inulin
krill oil
l-carnitine
Lactobacillus helveticus
licorice root
maitake mushroom
maqui berry
Matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
Moringa
Naringin
nicotinamide riboside
oleanolic acid
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-7 fatty acids
omega-9 fatty acids
oyster mushroom
palmitoleic acid
quinoa
red yeast rice
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rye
spirulina
tocotrienols
Trans-pterostilbene
Urolithin A
Vanadium
Vanadyl sulfate
vitamin C
vitamin D
wheat grass
Whey protein
xylooligosaccharides
Zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
Algae
kidney beans
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
1-deoxynojirimycin
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
12-methylcarnosic acid
3-desoxy-7-KETO-DHEA
4-hydroxyisoleucine
5,7-Dimethoxyflavone
6-Paradol
Alpha Glucans
ankaflavin
apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Antrodia camphorata
Auricularia
antirrhinin
avocado
Ascophyllum nodosum
Acacetin
alpha-lipoic acid
astragaloside
anthocyanidins
ampelopsin
Alpha phytosterol
Algal protein
arabinoxylan
Alpha methyl tetradecylthioacetic acid
Arjunolic acid
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
beta-hydroxybutyrate
Blakeslea trispora
bean
betanin
Brazil nut
charantin
California chia
cardarine
cyanobacteria
capsinoids
cyanidin
chlorogenic acid
capsiate
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Calanus finmarchicus
crocetin
cynaropicrin
Cystoseira canariensis
corosolic acid
Crypthecodinium
carnosic acid
docosahexaenoic Acid
Dunaliella
dihydrocapsiate
dragon fruit
dihydrolipoic acid
D-Pinitol
diosgenin
ergothioneine
evodiamine
Ecklonia
fucosterol
Foxtail millet
fucoxanthin
flavanols
fructan
Ginsenosides
Glucan peptides
galactooligosaccharides
guanidinopropionic acid (GPA )
Guggulsterones
Glucoraphanin
garbanzo bean
Glucosinolates
hydroxytyrosol
isomaltulose
Isoalantolactone
Irvingia gabonensis
Konjac
Kamut
lipstatin
Legume protein
Lentil
lupin
Monacolin
Maslinic acid
mangiferin
Mulberroside A
Monounsaturated fat
Momordicosides
Naringenin
Neoeriocitrin
Nobiletin
oolong tea
Oligosaccharides
Oleoylethanolamide
Phycocyanin
pyrroloquinoline quinone
phlorizin
Phaeophyceae
Phytoplankton
polychitosamine
polysaccharides
Pinitol
Polydatin
punicalin
polyunsaturated fat
Pleurotus eryngii
pu-er tea
punicalagins
Palatinose
punicic acid
peanut
Pistachio
Rebaudioside
Schizochytrium Oil
Schizochytrium
Salmon Oil
Salidroside
Syringic acid
Salacia
Sesamolin
Sesamin
Sinensetin
Sulforaphane
Tagatose
Tetradecylthioacetic acid
Thylakoid
Tyrosol
Tangeretin
Tanshinone
Theaflavin
Theabrownin
Xanthohumol
Yacon
Other health conditions supported by Algal protein
Aging (prevention)Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Appetite (deficient)
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Body Building
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Concentration (poor)
Convalescence
Debility
Depression
Diabetes
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Hypertension
Inflammation
Metabolic Syndrome
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nerve Damage
Osteoporosis
Skin Care (general)
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Wasting
Weight Loss