Brown seaweed can be a great nutritional supplement for some diabetics.
A new Korean study published in the journal Nutrients suggests that eating certain algae may be a promising blood sugar management strategy.
Researchers from the Department of Food Science and Biotechnology at Seoul National University of Science and Technology investigated how different diets can be recommended for type 2 diabetes management.
According to the study, certain seaweeds contain "various functional components" that have reported benefits associated with blood sugar regulation, improved gut health, and increased blood lipid levels.
The researchers analysed 23 studies from various databases that studied** the effects of brown seaweed and its extracts on a variety of populations, including healthy participants and people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
oneNewStudies have found that eating brown seaweed can help manage and prevent type 2 diabetes.
In the group that consumed seaweed, the results showed "significant improvements" in levels of postprandial blood glucose, glycosylated (sugar-related) hemoglobin (HbA1C), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HoMA-IR), a measure of insulin resistance.
However, the study found that fasting blood glucose and insulin levels did not significantly respond to seaweed consumption.
Higher doses of seaweed (1,000 mg or more) showed more benefits than lower doses.
Brown seaweeds and algae, including Ecklonia C**a, Laminaria Digitata, Undaria Pinnatifida, Acophyllum nodosum, and Fucus Vesiculosus, were found to be the most effective.
Brown kombu, also known as wakame or undaria pinnatifida, is often used in sushi and other Japanese dishes
According to our study, seaweed supplementation appears to be a promising strategy to lower postprandial blood glucose, HbA1C, and HoMA-IR levels, leading to better blood sugar management and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes," the researchers concluded while discussing the findings.
Study authors were contacted by Fox News Digital for additional content.
Dr. Joe Whittington, a California emergency medicine physician, weighed in on the findings, calling the signs of certain seaweeds "convincing."
These results suggest that seaweed could be a valuable addition to dietary strategies aimed at managing or even preventing type 2 diabetes, particularly when it comes to postprandial blood sugar spikes," he told Fox News Figures.
Doctors note that the effect is more beneficial at higher doses and for longer consumption periods, especially within 12 weeks.
This information is crucial for anyone considering seaweed as a diabetes management supplement, as it shows that both dosage and duration are important factors in effectiveness," he said.
The researchers say seaweed supplementation is a "promising strategy to lower postprandial blood sugar, HbA1C, and HoMA-IR levels."
While the increase in global seaweed consumption is a "positive trend", Whittington noted that a safety assessment of various factors is still needed, including "regarding iodine content, heavy metals and other potential contaminants".
The doctor also highlighted some of the limitations of the study, including "serious publication bias and a lack of research on different seaweed extraction methods".
Future research should address these gaps, including the comparative effects of brown algae, red algae, and green algae, to get a more complete picture of their potential in diabetes management," Whittington said.
As a healthcare professional, Whittington shared his appreciation for "the value of incorporating evidence-based dietary interventions into a patient's overall care plan" as the role of diet in managing chronic conditions is being "increasingly recognized."
While the increase in global seaweed consumption is a "positive trend", a medical expert noted that a safety assessment is necessary
Seaweed is a natural and potentially cost-effective supplement that can provide a way to complement traditional diabetes**," he said.
However, it is critical that these findings are carefully integrated into clinical practice, taking into account the individual patient's situation and potential interactions with existing **.
Whittington suggests that more research is needed, especially in diverse populations, and in combination with routine**.
He also said: As always, patients should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements, especially those with chronic conditions such as diabetes.
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