SynthesisJournal of human nutrition and dietetics : the official journal of the British Dietetic Association2025
Edible Algae Reduce Blood Pressure in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.
Synthesis in Journal of human nutrition and dietetics : the official journal of the British Dietetic Association, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Algae-Derived Bioactive Compounds as Platforms for Translational Biotechnology and Health Applications.Biotech (Basel (Switzerland)) · 2026Review
- Antidiabetic Effects ofMarine drugs · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundEdible algae contain bioactive compounds such as peptides, fucoidan, polyphenols, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants that may benefit cardiovascular health, particularly in lowering blood pressure (BP) regulation. Certain species, including Nori and Kelp, are also rich in inorganic nitrate, known for its BP-lowering effects. However, the relationship between algae consumption and hypertension remains controversial. This study evaluated the effects of edible algae on BP in humans, considering factors such as algae type, format, dosage, intervention duration, health status, and baseline BP.
methodsA systematic search of Medline-Pubmed, Scopus and Cochrane databases was conducted through December 2024. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in adults (≥ 18 years), healthy or with a cardiometabolic condition, with interventions ≥ 4-weeks and BP outcomes were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted; heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using statistical tests and plots. Sensitivity, subgroup, and meta-regression analyses were conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity.
resultsTwenty-nine RCTs encompassing 1583 participants were included. Edible algae intake significantly reduced systolic BP (SBP: -2.05 mmHg; 95% CI: -3.80, -0.31; p = 0.022) and diastolic BP (DBP: -1.87 mmHg; 95% CI: -3.10, -0.64; p = 0.001). Heterogeneity was high for SBP (Q-value: 230; I
conclusionConsuming over 3 g/day of whole edible algae, especially Spirulina, for at least 12 weeks significantly lowers BP, particularly in those with elevated levels. This suggests that edible microalgae may serve as a natural approach to managing hypertension, complementing pharmacological treatments.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.