Seaweed supplementation improves glycemic control and diabetes management

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrients found compelling evidence that support the potential of seaweed supplementation in the management of diabetes. Diabetes pose a pervasive health threat and the need for effective prevention and management strategies paramount, this study looked into the impact of seaweed consumption on various facets of blood glucose control.

Diabetes demands innovative approaches to prevention and management. To recognize the efficacy of dietary interventions like the Mediterranean diet and calorie restriction coupled with exercise-induced weight reduction, researchers turned their attention to the potential benefits of seaweed. With its rich content of polyphenols and fucoidan, seaweed has been associated with blood glucose regulation, improved intestinal health, and enhanced lipid profiles.

This exhaustive analysis conducted with the help of databases including PubMed, RISS, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library. 23 studies were included in this comprehensive meta-analysis.

The results of the study were;

Postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) levels demonstrated substantial improvements in the group supplemented with seaweed compared to the control group.

Fasting blood glucose and insulin levels did not exhibit significant associations with seaweed consumption.

Seaweed supplementation taken particularly at higher doses (1000 mg or more) proved more beneficial than lower doses. Specific seaweed varieties that include Laminaria digitata, Undaria pinnatifida, Acophyllum nodosum, and Fucus vesiculosus, were identified as particularly effective in improving blood glucose levels.

This research suggests that seaweed supplementation could be a promising strategy to reduce the postprandial blood glucose, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR levels and offers a tangible avenue for improved blood glucose management and a potential decrease in the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Source:

Kim, Y. R., Park, M. J., Park, S. Y., & Kim, J. Y. (2023). Brown Seaweed Consumption as a Promising Strategy for Blood Glucose Management: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 15(23). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234987