The effects of macro-algae supplementation on serum lipid, glycaemic control and anthropometric indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

Introduction

Macro-algae products have been shown to ameliorate the metabolic disorders state. Thus, highlighting their function as supplementary therapeutic agents can be a novel strategy for clinical therapies. This systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials aimed to summarize the effect of macro-algae consumption on serum lipid profile, glycaemic control and anthropometric factors.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a comprehensive search was performed for relevant studies published up to May 2023. The Cochran's Q test and I-square (I²) tests were used to evaluate heterogeneity across the included studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird), and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the pooled effect size.

Results

Out of 8602 papers in the initial screening, eight clinical trials with a total of 438 participants were included into this meta-analysis. The results indicated that macro-algae supplementation significantly decreased serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) (WMD = −6.7 mg/dL; 95% CI: −12.59, −0.80; item = 0.026) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (WMD = −8.25 mg/dL; 95% CI: −15.38, −1.12; p-value = .023). There was an increase in level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (WMD = 0.48 mg/dL; 95% CI: −2.05, 3.01; p-value = .71) which was not statistically significant. Macro-algae supplementation reduced body mass index (BMI) (WMD = −0.28 kg/m²; 95% CI: −0.96, 0.41; p-value = .426), weight (WMD = −0.39 kg; 95% CI: −3.6, 2.83; p-value = .81), waist circumference (WC) (WMD = −0.52 cm; 95% CI: −2.71, 1.66; p-value = .64), fasting blood sugar (FBS) (WMD = −1.95 mg/dL; 95% CI: −5.19, 1.28; p-value = .24) and HbA1c (WMD = −0.02%; 95% CI: −0.14, 0.09; p-value = .66) in intervention group.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicated that macro-algae supplementation significantly decreased TC and LDL-c level. It can also increase HDL-c level and reduce anthropometric indices and glycaemic control factors.