Algae-Based Supplements Claiming Weight Loss Properties: Authenticity Control and Scientific-Based Evidence on Their...

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Obesity affects over 600 million adults globally, increasing chronic disease risk.
• Effective long-term weight management is challenging.
• Algae-based supplements claim weight loss benefits, but scientific evidence and safety data are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of commercially available algae supplements, Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis and Fucus vesiculosus, in inhibiting carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes.
• To assess the antioxidant and radical scavenging capacities of these algae extracts.
• To provide data for regulatory bodies like EFSA and FDA regarding algae supplement safety and effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• In vitro assays to measure the inhibition of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and aldose reductase by algae extracts.
• Evaluation of radical scavenging activity against nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion (O2•−) radicals.
• Chemical analysis of pigment profiles, including fucoxanthin, in Fucus vesiculosus and Spirulina supplements.

Main Results:

• Spirulina and Fucus vesiculosus extracts demonstrated moderate inhibition of α-glucosidase and aldose reductase.
• Spirulina extracts generally exhibited stronger enzyme inhibitory and radical scavenging effects than Fucus vesiculosus extracts.
• Fucoxanthin, a key marker in brown seaweeds, was notably absent in Fucus vesiculosus samples, suggesting degradation.

Conclusions:

• Commercially available Spirulina and Fucus vesiculosus supplements possess moderate enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant properties.
• Spirulina appears more effective than Fucus vesiculosus in these in vitro assays.
• The findings highlight the need for quality control and further investigation into the safety and efficacy of algae-based weight management products.