Casas-Agustench Patricia, Mínguez Sandra, Brookes Zoe, Bescos Raul
School of Health Professions, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK.
Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), Barcelona, Spain.
J Hum Nutr Diet. 2025 Aug;38(4):e70095. doi: 10.1111/jhn.70095.
Edible 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.
A 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.
Twenty-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 = 75%; p < 0.001) and moderate for DBP (Q-value: 102; I = 68%; p < 0.001). Spirulina was the most effective algae, reducing SBP by -5.28 mmHg (p = 0.032) and DBP by -3.56 mmHg (p = 0.044). Dosage of algae > 3 g/day significantly lowered SBP (-3.71 mmHg; p = 0.004) and DBP (-3.05 mmHg; p = 0.022). Whole algae intake showed greater effects than extracts. Benefits were more pronounced in individuals with cardiometabolic risk. Meta-regression found no independent association between algae dosage and SBP change, but baseline SBP significantly predicted both SBP and DBP reductions.
Consuming 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.
可食用藻类含有生物活性化合物，如肽、岩藻多糖、多酚、钾、ω-3脂肪酸和抗氧化剂，这些物质可能有益于心血管健康，特别是在调节血压（BP）方面。某些种类，包括紫菜和海带，还富含无机硝酸盐，以其降血压作用而闻名。然而，食用藻类与高血压之间的关系仍存在争议。本研究评估了可食用藻类对人体血压的影响，考虑了藻类类型、形式、剂量、干预持续时间、健康状况和基线血压等因素。
截至2024年12月，对Medline-Pubmed、Scopus和Cochrane数据库进行了系统检索。纳入了针对成年人（≥18岁）、健康或患有心脏代谢疾病、干预时间≥4周且有血压结果的随机对照试验（RCT）。使用Cochrane RoB 2工具评估偏倚风险。进行随机效应荟萃分析；使用统计检验和图表评估异质性和发表偏倚。进行敏感性、亚组和元回归分析以探索异质性来源。
纳入了29项RCT，涉及1583名参与者。食用可食用藻类显著降低收缩压（SBP：-2.05mmHg；95%CI：-3.80，-0.31；p=0.022）和舒张压（DBP：-1.87mmHg；95%CI：-3.10，-0.64；p=0.001）。SBP的异质性较高（Q值：230；I²=75%；p<0.001），DBP的异质性为中度（Q值：102；I²=68%；p<0.001）。螺旋藻是最有效的藻类，使SBP降低-5.28mmHg（p=0.032），DBP降低-3.56mmHg（p=0.044）。藻类剂量>3克/天可显著降低SBP（-3.71mmHg；p=0.004）和DBP（-3.05mmHg；p=0.022）。食用完整藻类比提取物显示出更大的效果。在有心脏代谢风险的个体中益处更明显。元回归发现藻类剂量与SBP变化之间无独立关联，但基线SBP显著预测了SBP和DBP的降低。
每天食用超过3克的完整可食用藻类，尤其是螺旋藻，至少12周可显著降低血压，特别是在血压升高的人群中。这表明可食用微藻可能作为一种管理高血压的天然方法，补充药物治疗。
