Effects of dietary seaweed on obesity-related metabolic status: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Abstract Context Seaweed is a promising source of anti-obesity agents, including polysaccharides, proteins, polyphenols, carotenoids, and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The anti-obesity effects of such compounds may be due to several mechanisms, including inhibition of lipid absorption and metabolism, effect on satiety, and inhibition of adipocyte differentiation. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the evidence from human randomized controlled trials for the effects of seaweed on body-weight status as well as lipid and nonlipid parameters in adults with overweight and obesity. Data Sources Four databases—Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library—were searched from December 2022 to June 2023 using the following key words: Seaweed OR fucoxanthin OR alginates OR fucoidans OR phlorotannin’s OR macroalgae OR marine algae AND obesity OR overweight OR BMI OR body mass index. Data Extraction Eleven interventional studies (10 parallel and 1 crossover) were extracted. Data Analysis Meta-analysis showed a significant effect, favoring the intervention group for BMI (body mass index) (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.40; 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.16 kg/m2; P = 0.0013) and percentage of fat mass (SMD: -1.48; 95% CI: -2.66% to -0.30%, P = 0.0138). The results were seen when refined or extracted brown seaweed (BMI) or only refined brown seaweed (% fat mass) were administered to participants for at least 8 weeks. Moreover, a significant overall effect of seaweed supplementation on total cholesterol (SMD: -7.72; 95% CI: -12.49 to -2.95 mg/dL; P = 0.0015) and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD: -7.33; 95% CI: -11.64 to -3.02 mg/dL; P < 0.001) was noted. Any significant effects of seaweed on glucose metabolism were not shown. Conclusion Edible seaweed supplementation shows potential for managing obesity and disorders of the blood lipid profile when administered to participants for at least 8 weeks. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022378484 (www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO).