title: Nutritional studies on Spirulina maxima.
abstract: This study was designed to explore the nutritional value of proteins derived from algal biomasses of genus Spirulina maxima, with a view to the possible use of such proteins in human alimentation. Recently the use of such biomasses has commanded attention both as an alternative source of alimentary protein and as a coadjuvant in diet treatment requiring a reduced caloric intake - this because these substances seem to prolong gastric transit time and so produce a feeling of satiety. Our research was conducted in young growing rats; it provided confirmation of the validity of Spirulina as a protein source in terms of good weight gains by the test animals and freedom from adverse effects; the same research, on the other hand, failed to confirm the effectiveness of these protein materials in reducing caloric intake: throughout the test period, indeed, feed consumption (hence caloric intake) was practically the same in the control lot and in animals receiving Spirulina protein.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001066:Appetite / Q000187:drug effects; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D000458:Cyanobacteria; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects; D002149:Energy Intake; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009753:Nutritive Value; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D011506:Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D053545:Spirulina
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D011506:Proteins