The effects of ProAlgaZyme novel algae infusion on metabolic syndrome and markers of cardiovascular health

Abstract

Background: Metabolic Syndrome, or Syndrome X, is characterized by a set of metabolic and lipid imbalances that greatly increases the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The syndrome is highly prevalent in the United States and worldwide, and treatments are in high demand. ProAlgaZyme, a novel and proprietary freshwater algae infusion in purified water, has been the subject of several animal studies and has demonstrated low toxicity even with chronic administration at elevated doses. The infusion has been used historically for the treatment of several inflammatory and immune disorders in humans and is considered well-tolerated. Here, the infusion is evaluated for its effects on the cardiovascular risk factors present in metabolic syndrome in a randomized double-blind placebocontrolled study involving 60 overweight and obese persons, ages 25-60. All participants received four daily oral doses (1 fl oz) of ProAlgaZyme (N = 22) or water placebo (N = 30) for a total of 10 weeks, and were encouraged to maintain their normal levels of physical activity. Blood sampling and anthropometric measurements were taken at the beginning of the study period and after 4, 8 and 10 weeks of treatment. Eight participants did not complete the study.

Wakame and Nori in Restructured Meats Included in Cholesterol-enriched Diets Affect the Antioxidant Enzyme Gene Expressions and Activities in Wistar Rats

“…Algae could be useful components of hypocaloric diets. Oben et al [23] found that 1 floz/day of an oral infusion of ProAlgaZyme for 10-weeks reduces body weight and body fat. The final body weight of rats in the present study was higher than that of a previous study [8], although the average food intake of the present study was 10% lower.…”

Effects of Restructured Pork Containing <b><i>Himanthalia elongata</i></b> on Adipose Tissue Lipogenic and Lipolytic Enzyme Expression of Normo- and Hypercholesterolemic Rats

“…Among alga compounds, fucoxanthin, a carotenoid including an unusual allenic bond and 5,6-monoepoxide in its molecule, has been shown to decrease body weight and abdominal white adipose tissue weight in mice [22]. Oben et al [15] found that 1 fluid ounce/day of ProAlgaZyme oral infusion for 10 weeks induced significant body weight and body fat losses. Cholesterol feeding decreased DER.…”

“…Although a great deal of information regarding nori and kombu algae has already been published, little scientific data is available to date on sea spaghetti seaweed (Himanthalia elongata) . Oben et al [15] have studied the effects of a fresh-water alga on cardiovascular disease risk factors in overweight and obese individuals with metabolic syndrome in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. A group given 1 fluid ounce/day of ProAlgaZyme oral infusion for 10 weeks lost significantly more body weight and body fat than a group given a water placebo.…”

Antioxidants from macroalgae: potential applications in human health and nutrition

“…Risk factors for CVD include age, male gender, elevated low-density lipo-protein cholesterol levels, low high-density lipo-protein cholesterol levels, diabetes mellitus, smoking, chronic overeating and obesity. The adverse complications of obesity and unhealthy lifestyle factors are heightened by oxidative stress (Oben et al 2007, Bocanegra et al 2009, Riccioni 2009). …”