Potential benefits of microalgae intake against metabolic diseases: beyond spirulina-a systematic review of animal studies

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Potential benefits of microalgae intake against metabolic diseases: beyond spirulina-a systematic review of animal studies

Tejero et al., 2024 | Nutr Rev | Systematic Review

Citation

Tejero Pérez Adrian, Kapravelou Garyfallia, ... Martínez Martínez Rosario. Potential benefits of microalgae intake against metabolic diseases: beyond spirulina-a systematic review of animal studies. Nutr Rev. 2024-Jul-01;82(7):872-891. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuad098

Abstract

CONTEXT: Microalgae are a diverse source of bioactive molecules, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids, with beneficial properties in biomarkers of metabolic diseases. Unlike the rest of the microalgae genera, Arthrospira sp., commonly called spirulina, has been widely studied. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to describe the current knowledge about microalgae, besides spirulina, focusing on their beneficial properties against metabolic diseases. DATA SOURCES: A systematic research of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published after January 2012. In vivo animal studies including microalgae consumption, except for spirulina, that significantly improved altered biomarkers related to metabolic diseases were included. These biomarkers included body weight/composition, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, oxidative damage, inflammation markers, and gut microbiota. DATA EXTRACTION: After the literature search and the implementation of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 37 studies were included in the revision out of the 132 results originally obtained after the application of the equation on the different databases. DATA ANALYSIS: Data containing 15 microalgae genera were included reporting on a wide range of beneficial results at different levels, including a decrease in body weight and changes in plasma levels of glucose and lipoproteins due to molecular alterations such as those related to gene expression regulation. The most reported beneficial effects were related to gut microbiota and inflammation followed by lipid and glucose metabolism and body weight/composition. CONCLUSIONS: Microalgae intake improved different altered biomarkers due to metabolic diseases and seem to have potential in the design of enriched foodstuffs or novel nutraceuticals. Nevertheless, to advance to clinical trials, more thorough/detailed studies should be performed on some of the microalgae genera included in this review to collect more information on their molecular mechanisms of action.

Key Findings

Microalgae intake improved different altered biomarkers due to metabolic diseases and seem to have potential in the design of enriched foodstuffs or novel nutraceuticals. Nevertheless, to advance to clinical trials, more thorough/detailed studies should be performed on some of the microalgae genera included in this review to collect more information on their molecular mechanisms of action.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 37
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • Microalgae
  • Animals
  • Metabolic Diseases
  • Spirulina
  • Humans
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Biomarkers
  • Body Weight
  • Oxidative Stress

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: spirulina-metabolic

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09