Health Benefits of Sodium Alginate
Sodium Alginate is naturally
occurring molecules derived from brown seaweed.
Compared with other seaweed polysaccharides, alginate has excellent functional
properties such as ion cross-linking, pH sensitivity, biocompatibility and
biodegradability, which has been widely applied in the food and nutraceutical
fields. Generally, it is used as stabilizing, gelling agent or thickening agent but it may also utilize for
various health benefits.
Research evidence showed that sodium alginate potentially
improves digestion, prolong the gastric emptying time and leading to reduced
food intake as well as reduced body weight and blood glucose level. The results
of this research suggested that sodium alginate could potentially be effective
in the treatment of metabolic syndrome and obesity in humans.
Here are the some key benefits of sodium alginate that help to improve the human health.
1. To Maintain Digestive Health and GERD
- Gut Microbiota Modulation: According
to the studies published MDPI journals suggested that sodium alginate can
positively influence the composition of gut microbiota, increasing
beneficial bacteria and decreasing pathogenic ones. This modulation can
contribute to improved intestinal homeostasis and may play a role in
reducing gut inflammation by preventing the entry of harmful substances into the bloodstream.
- Prebiotic Effect: Sodium
alginate can act as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut
bacteria. A healthy balance of gut bacteria is important for overall
health, including immunity, mental health, and digestion.
- Promotes Gut Health: Sodium
alginate, like other soluble fibers, can help support a healthy digestive
system. It absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance, which can aid in
digestion and regulate bowel movements.
- Relieves Constipation: Because it
absorbs water and softens stools, sodium alginate may help alleviate
constipation. It also accelerate bowel movement and help prevent
constipation.
- Gastrointestinal Protection: It may
offer a muco-protective effect by covering the surface of the
gastrointestinal tract, potentially aiding in the treatment of gastric
ulcers and reducing gastrointestinal symptoms after procedures like
endoscopy with biopsy.
- Heartburn and Acid Reflux (GERD): Sodium
alginate is well-known for its ability to treat symptoms of heartburn and
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When it mixes with stomach acid,
it forms a gel-like barrier or "raft" that floats on top of the
stomach contents. This physical barrier helps to prevent stomach acid from
flowing back into the esophagus, reducing uncomfortable symptoms like
heartburn and acid regurgitation. It can also coat and protect the
esophageal lining.
2. To
Improve Weight Management
- A clinical trial study reported that
sodium alginate supplementation for 12-weeks significantly improve weight
loss in obese patient.
- Appetite Control and increase
Satiety:
The gel-like substance that sodium alginate forms can help promote
feelings of fullness, which may reduce appetite and calorie intake,
potentially assisting in weight management or weight loss. Sodium alginate
can swell in the stomach due to its water-absorbing properties, which can
increase feelings of fullness (satiety) and potentially contribute to
healthy weight loss by reducing overall food intake.
- Lowering Cholesterol and Blood
Lipids:
Some studies have shown that sodium alginate can help reduce total
cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels in the blood,
which may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also prevent fatty
liver. It forms a gel in the intestines that can bind to dietary lipids
and cholesterol, inhibiting their absorption and promoting their
excretion.
- Reduces Fat Absorption: Some
studies suggest that sodium alginate can bind to fat molecules in the
digestive system, reducing the absorption of fat and contributing to
overall calorie reduction. This could be particularly beneficial in
reducing the overall intake of unhealthy fats.
- Improved Lipid Metabolism: Studies in
animal models have shown that sodium alginate supplementation can reduce
levels of liver triglycerides, total cholesterol, and serum low-density
lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C).
3. To Improve Blood Sugar Regulation
- Slows Glucose Absorption: A small scale clinical study revealed that, 5g
gram of Sodium alginate supplementation to seven men having type 2
diabetes significantly lower postprandial rises in blood glucose and serum
insulin.
- Notably, according to
the European Food Safety Authority, sodium alginate supplementation maintains
the metabolic disorder and also improves the obesity.
- Inhibition of carbohydrates
metabolizing Enzymes:
Therefore, we considered that the suppression of blood glucose, manage
postprandial glucose spikes and aid in weight management because sodium
alginate is predominantly due to a decrease in the activity of
alpha-glucosidase, maltase, and lipase that slowing down the breakdown and
absorption of carbohydrates and fats.
4. To Reduce Blood Pressure
- Blood Pressure Support: There is
some evidence to suggest that the fiber in sodium alginate may help reduce
blood pressure by improving overall vascular health, though more research
is required to confirm this benefit.
- According to the research paper published in Taylor & Francis,
Sodium alginate reduces blood pressure potentially by improving the gut
barrier and reducing the absorption of sodium in human.
4.
How to Incorporate Sodium Alginate into Your Diet
- Supplements: Sodium alginate is available in supplement form, often marketed for weight loss or digestive health.
- Natural Sources: It can be
found in edible seaweeds, like kelp or kombu, which are sometimes used in
soups or salads.
5. Safety
and Side Effects of Sodium Alginate
According to FDA (US Food and Drug
Administration) and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) Sodium alginate is generally
safe for human. However, large doses might cause digestive
upset, including bloating or diarrhea, especially if you are not used to
consuming high amounts of fiber.