Seaweed supplementation improves glycemic control and diabetes management

Written By : Jacinthlyn Sylvia |Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Published On 2023-12-16T11:15:00+05:30 | Updated On 16 Dec 2023 11:36 AM IST

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

Nutrients journalseaweed supplementationdiabetes management

Source : Nutrients

Jacinthlyn Sylvia

Neuroscience Masters graduate

Jacinthlyn Sylvia, a Neuroscience Master's graduate from Chennai has worked extensively in deciphering the neurobiology of cognition and motor control in aging. She also has spread-out exposure to Neurosurgery from her Bachelor’s. She is currently involved in active Neuro-Oncology research. She is an upcoming neuroscientist with a fiery passion for writing. Her news cover at Medical Dialogues feature recent discoveries and updates from the healthcare and biomedical research fields. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in

Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli-MBBS, DTCD- a chest specialist with more than 30 years of practice and a flair for writing clinical articles, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli joined Medical Dialogues as a Chief Editor of Medical News. Besides writing articles, as an editor, he proofreads and verifies all the medical content published on Medical Dialogues including those coming from journals, studies,medical conferences,guidelines etc. Email: drkohli@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751