title: Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A secretion increases after 4-weeks ingestion of chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement in humans: a randomized cross over study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chlorella, a unicellular green alga that grows in fresh water, contains high levels of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. Some studies have reported favorable immune function-related effects on biological secretions such as blood and breast milk in humans who have ingested a chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement. However, the effects of chlorella-derived supplement on mucosal immune functions remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether chlorella ingestion increases the salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) secretion in humans using a blind, randomized, crossover study design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen men took 30 placebo and 30 chlorella tablets per day for 4 weeks separated by a 12-week washout period. Before and after each trial, saliva samples were collected from a sterile cotton ball that was chewed after overnight fasting. Salivary SIgA concentrations were measured using ELISA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compliance rates for placebo and chlorella ingestions were 97.0 ± 1.0% and 95.3 ± 1.6%, respectively. No difference was observed in salivary SIgA concentrations before and after placebo ingestion (P = 0.38). However, salivary SIgA concentrations were significantly elevated after chlorella ingestion compared to baseline (P < 0.01). No trial × period interaction was identified for the saliva flow rates. Although the SIgA secretion rate was not affected by placebo ingestion (P = 0.36), it significantly increased after 4-week chlorella ingestion than before intake (P < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest 4-week ingestion of a chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement increases salivary SIgA secretion and possibly improves mucosal immune function in humans.
authors: Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Ryutsu Keizai University, Ryugasaki, Ibaraki, Japan. otsuki-takeshi@rku.ac.jp
authors: Takeshi
authors: T
authors: Otsuki
authors: Kazuhiro
authors: K
authors: Shimizu
authors: Motoyuki
authors: M
authors: Iemitsu
authors: Ichiro
authors: I
authors: Kono
mesh_terms: D002708:Chlorella / Q000276:immunology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004435:Eating; D006801:Humans; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory