CClinicalTrials.gg
Active, not recruitingNCT05765448SEAPROUpdated Oct 18, 2023

Effects of the Consumption of SEAweed Biomass Versus PROtein Isolates on Postprandial Satiety and Metabolism

An interventional study of Soy control and Intervention (Laver/nori (Porphyra umbillicus) macroalgae whole biomass) in Nutrition, Healthy, sponsored by Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation. Active, not recruiting at 1 site in Singapore. Open to male participants aged 21 Years to 50 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2023-10-18.

Sponsored by Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation · Not applicable, Interventional, and Other

From the registry’s dates

  • Primary completion was expected by Jun 2024, 2 years 4 months ago, but the record still lists the study as active, not recruiting.
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
20
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
21 Years to 50 Years
Sex
Male
01

Study summary

There is a need to identify alternative sources of protein that can be introduced into diets to effectively meet the protein requirements of the population. Seaweed presents a potential source of sustainable, alternative protein. In order to determine their utility in future foods, in this study we will undertake an acute postprandial trial to explore whether a macroalgae (porphyra) and a microalgae (chlorella) protein isolates are more beneficial for acute metabolic health as compared to their respective whole biomasses. In particular, we will compare the effects of whole biomasses and their protein isolates on acute glucose homeostasis, amino acid availability as well as on satiety and gut hormones.

Read the detailed description

Seaweed presents a potential source of sustainable, alternative protein. Broadly categorised into macroalgae and microalgae, macroalgae including those of the genus Porphyra are traditionally known as nori or laver and is a common ingredient in several Asian dishes such as soups and sushi. Porphyra is rich in protein, micronutrients and dietary fibre and the equivalent variety in New Zealand is a red macroalgae known as Karengo. A prominent genus of microalgae is Chlorella, which is a green microalgae also rich in protein and currently used mainly in dietary supplements. The interest in seaweed as an ingredient incorporated into meals, food products and dietary supplements has been growing due to their macronutrient composition and bioactive substances with studied health benefits including improvements in glucose homeostasis, appetite and anti-hypertensive and hypocholesterolemic properties.

However, controlled human studies comparing specific macroalgae and microalgae, particularly for their potential to be used as a source of alternative protein, has been limited. Therefore, the present study aims to compare macroalgae (Porphyra) biomass and its protein isolates versus microalgae (Chlorella) biomass and its protein isolates on postprandial satiety and nutrient metabolism in healthy adult Chinese males by adding these as ingredients to a noodle soup dish. We specifically aim to explore whether the protein isolates are superior to the respective whole biomasses in terms of glucose homeostasis, amino acid availability as well as in terms of satiety and gut hormones. Results from this study will be used towards future food applications to enhance the potential of the use of seaweed as a sustainable and nutritious source of alternative proteins.

02

Conditions studied

  • Nutrition, Healthy

Keywords

  • alternative protein
  • postprandial satiety
03

In context

Lead sponsor

Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation is the lead sponsor of 69 studies on the registry; 4 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
21 Years to 50 Years
Sexes eligible
Male
Accepts healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

  • Male
  • Chinese ethnicity
  • Aged 21 to 50 years
  • Able to give informed consent
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5 to 25.0 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Diabetic (HbA1C ≥ 6.5%)
  • Smoking
  • Having a dislike towards seaweed- or soy-based products
  • Having allergies or intolerances to any common food ingredients including seaweed, soy, eggs, seafood, fish, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, gluten, cereal, fruits, dairy products, meat, vegetables, sugar, sweeteners, natural food colourings or flavourings, etc.
  • Following special diets or having intentional dietary restrictions (e.g, vegetarians/vegans)
  • Not willing to adhere to diet modification as in the study protocol
  • Taking part in strenuous physical activities
  • Not willing to stop any strenuous activity during or within 24 hours of study days (for those actively participating in sports at the competitive and/or endurance levels)
  • Having glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency)
  • Having alcohol consumption on > 4 days per week with ≥ 6 alcoholic drinks per week
  • Having sustained elevation of blood pressure (≥140/90 mm Hg)
  • Having previously undergone any gastrointestinal surgery or having history of gastrointestinal disorders
  • Having a history of heart, liver, kidney, blood disorders (e.g., thalassemia) or thyroid dysfunctions
  • Having history of tuberculosis, HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infections
  • Having any prescription medication or any other alternative medicines or supplements which may interfere with study measurements in the opinion of the study investigators
  • Having donated blood within 4 weeks of study participation
  • Having poor veins or having history of severe vasovagal syncope (blackouts or fainting) from blood draws
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Crossover assignment
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
20 participants (estimated)

Study arms

  • Active comparator
    Soy-based control meal

    Bowl of soup noodles prepared with 10g soy protein isolate soup base and consumed with a pack of plain crackers (approximately 65g available carbohydrate in total).

    Other: Soy control

  • Experimental
    Laver/nori macroalgae (Porphyra umbilicus) whole biomass-based treatment meal

    Bowl of soup noodles prepared with 10g Laver/nori macroalgae (Porphyra umbilicus) whole biomass soup base and consumed with a pack of plain crackers (approximately 65g available carbohydrate in total).

    Other: Intervention (Laver/nori (Porphyra umbillicus) macroalgae whole biomass)

  • Experimental
    Laver/nori macroalgae (Porphyra umbilicus) protein isolates-based treatment meal

    Bowl of soup noodles prepared with 10g Laver/nori macroalgae (Porphyra umbilicus) protein isolates soup base and consumed with a pack of plain crackers (approximately 65g available carbohydrate in total).

    Other: Intervention (Laver/nori macroalgae (Porphyra umbillicus) protein isolates)

  • Experimental
    Microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) whole biomass-based treatment meal

    Bowl of soup noodles prepared with 10g microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) whole biomass soup base and consumed with a pack of plain crackers (approximately 65g available carbohydrate in total).

    Other: Intervention (Chlorella microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) whole biomass)

  • Experimental
    Microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) protein isolates-based treatment meal

    Bowl of soup noodles prepared with 10g microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) protein isolates soup base and consumed with a pack of plain crackers (approximately 65g available carbohydrate in total).

    Other: Intervention (Chlorella microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) protein isolates)

Interventions

  • OtherSoy control

    Soy isolate control meal

  • OtherIntervention (Laver/nori (Porphyra umbillicus) macroalgae whole biomass)

    Laver/nori (Porphyra umbillicus) macroalgae whole biomass treatment meal

  • OtherIntervention (Laver/nori macroalgae (Porphyra umbillicus) protein isolates)

    Laver/nori macroalgae (Porphyra umbillicus) protein isolates treatment meal

  • OtherIntervention (Chlorella microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) whole biomass)

    Chlorella microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) whole biomass treatment meal

  • OtherIntervention (Chlorella microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) protein isolates)

    Chlorella microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) protein isolates treatment meal

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Glucose

    Serum glucose measured at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes

    Time frame: Up to 180 minutes

Secondary outcomes

  1. Insulin

    Serum insulin measured at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes

    Time frame: Up to 180 minutes

  2. Triglycerides

    Serum triglycerides measured at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes

    Time frame: Up to 180 minutes

  3. Amino acids

    Plasma amino acids measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes

    Time frame: Up to 180 minutes

  4. GLP-1

    Plasma GLP-1 measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes

    Time frame: Time Frame: Up to 180 minutes

  5. Ghrelin

    Plasma ghrelin measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes

    Time frame: Up to 180 minutes

  6. Satiety

    Satiety measured using VAS at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes

    Time frame: Up to 180 minutes

  7. Hunger

    Hunger measured using VAS at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes

    Time frame: Up to 180 minutes

  8. Gastrointestinal symptoms

    Gastrointestinal symptoms measured using gastrointestinal questionnaire at 0, 15, 60, 120 and 180 minutes

    Time frame: Up to 180 minutes

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Clinical Nutrition Research Centre
    Singapore, 117599, Singapore
08

References and documents

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

No publications or documents are linked to this record.

09

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Oct 18, 2023, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT05765448
Lead sponsor
Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Mar 13, 2023
Start date
Feb 20, 2023
Primary completion
Jun 2024 (estimated)
Completion
Jun 2024 (estimated)
Last update
Oct 18, 2023

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Not currently enrolling

This study is active, not recruiting, as verified in Oct 2023. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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