Effect of alginate supplementation on weight loss in obese subjects completing a 12-wk energy-restricted diet: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Acute studies with alginate-based preloads suggested that these strong gelling fibers may induce increased feelings of satiety and reduce energy intakes. However, the long-term efficacy and safety of alginate supplementation on body weight regulation are lacking.


OBJECTIVE
The primary aim of the study was to investigate the effects in subjects of alginate supplementation in conjunction with energy restriction (-300 kcal/d) on loss of body weight and fat and, second, on metabolic risk markers in comparison with in a placebo group.


METHODS
In a parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we randomly assigned 96 obese subjects to either an energy-restricted diet plus a placebo preload supplement or an energy-restricted diet plus an alginate-based preload supplement (15 g fiber). The preload was administered as a beverage 3 times/d before main meals for a period of 12 wk.


RESULTS
No differences in loss of body weight and fat between groups were shown in the intension-to-treat (ITT) analysis (P > 0.1). However, in the completer analysis (n = 80), we showed a greater weight loss with alginate (6.78 ± 3.67 kg) than with the placebo (5.04 ± 3.40 kg) (P = 0.03), which was mainly attributed to a reduction in the percentage of body fat (P = 0.03). In the ITT analysis, a larger decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was shown in the placebo group than in the alginate group (P < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, and ghrelin, HOMA-IR, and lipid metabolism did not differ between treatment groups in the ITT analysis (P > 0.1).


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that alginate supplementation as an adjunct to energy restriction may improve weight loss in obese subjects who complete a 12-wk dietary intervention.
Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark. mmgj@life.ku.dk
Morten
M
Georg Jensen
Mette
M
Kristensen
Arne
A
Astrup
D050154:Adiposity; D000328:Adult; D000464:Alginates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001628:Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D020723:Glucuronic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006603:Hexuronic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D057194:Intention to Treat Analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D012307:Risk Factors; D015431:Weight Loss
D000464:Alginates; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D020723:Glucuronic Acid