"Health Promoting Effects of the Microalgae Phaeodactylum Tricornutum" (UniHoh-Algen)

University of Hohenheim

Status: Completed

Conditions: Micronutrients; Human Nutrition, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Microalgae

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Microalgae; Dietary Supplement: Omega-3-fatty acid capsule; Dietary Supplement: sea fish

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04288544

UHohenheim

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of the research project is to investigate the uptake of omega-3 fatty acids into the blood plasma through the consumption of the microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PT) in a human study. In an open, crossover study, the volunteers will receive a drink enriched with the microalgae P. tricornutum or an omega-3 fatty acid preparation or (optionally) pollock for 14 days each. Since the microalgae P. tricornutum is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, the target parameter chosen is the uptake of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood plasma

Full description

A large number of diet-related diseases, such as obesity, are characterized by subclinical inflammation of the body. For this reason, anti-inflammatory foods such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish and nuts, are used. However, the disadvantage of fish as a resource is its limited availability. Therefore, it is of great interest to provide a resource-saving diet that still supplies us with all macro and micro nutrients. For this reason, microalgae have become the focus of science in recent years. Microalgae not only serve as a source of protein, but also contain a large number of nutrients that could have possible physiological and preventive effects in human nutrition. These include substances from the group of carotenoids and the various polyunsaturated FS found in microalgae.

The microalgae PT is rich in omega-3 FS eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is otherwise found mainly in fatty fish, and could therefore be an alternative or vegetarian source of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Previous work by U. Neumann has shown that the microalgae P. tricornutum could be used for human nutrition. No toxic effects could be observed in vivo and the bioavailability of fatty acids and proteins could also be successfully demonstrated. In vitro experiments also showed a more anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-proliferative effect on human blood cells. For this reason, a health-promoting effect is also possible in human nutrition, but this must be proven in human studies.

Enrollment: 20 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 50 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Signed declaration of consent
• Willingness to follow the prescribed diet for the duration of the study
• No participation in another clinical trial (current or within the last 30 days)

Exclusion criteria

• Taking intestinal therapeutics, antibiotics, immunosuppressive drugs or similar (if necessary, individual case decision)
• Pregnancy/nursing period
• Relevant violations of the food protocol
• Occurrence of relevant diseases (if necessary, individual case decision)
• Revocation of consent
• Accommodation in a clinic or similar institution due to official or court order

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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20 participants in 3 patient groups

Experimental: Intervention group

Active Comparator group

Description:

The patients get 1x 5,3g per day the microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutumover for two weeks.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Omega-3-fatty acid capsule

Dietary Supplement: sea fish

Omega-3 capsules

Active Comparator group

Description:

The patients get one capsule per day of the Omega-3-fatty acid capsules for 2 weeks.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: sea fish

Dietary Supplement: Microalgae

sea fish (facultative)

Experimental group

Description:

as positive control, one portion of fish is eaten per week for 2 weeks after the Intervention of 8 weeks and 2 wash out (omega 3 must not be eaten).

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Omega-3-fatty acid capsule

Dietary Supplement: Microalgae