Background: Consumption of micro and macro algae has gained popularity due to their high protein content and claimed health benefits. The blue-green alga spirulina and the brown alga wakame lowered LDL cholesterol concentrations in animal and human trials. In addition, animal studies have suggested that the mechanism underlying the cholesterol-lowering effects is an inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption, but this has not been evaluated in human trials yet. 

Objective: The primary objective of the study was to examine the effects of spirulina or wakame consumption on intestinal cholesterol absorption in non-hypercholesterolemic men and women. In addition, markers for cholesterol synthesis and lipid metabolism were examined. 

Methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind crossover study was conducted. Thirty-five healthy men and women without hypercholesterolemia consumed 4.8 grams of spirulina, wakame or placebo for 17 days, separated by washouts of at least 14 days. Blood was obtained at the beginning and end of each intervention period. Serum cholesterol-standardized campesterol and lathosterol concentrations were used as markers for cholesterol absorption and synthesis respectively. Serum concentrations of total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and triacylglycerol were determined as well. 

Results: Serum cholesterol-standardized campesterol concentrations were not different between spirulina, wakame or the placebo intervention. Also, no differences were found between interventions in serum cholesterol-standardized lathosterol concentrations and serum concentrations of total, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol. 

Conclusion: Consumption of spirulina or wakame does not affect markers for cholesterol absorption and synthesis, or lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in non-hypercholesterolemic men and women.

06 - SPIRULINA OR WAKAME CONSUMPTION DOES NOT AFFECT INTESTINAL CHOLESTEROL ABSORPTION IN NON-HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC MEN AND WOMEN