Microphyt’s microalgae extract linked to better metabolic health and weight management in women

09 Apr 2024 --- A new women-only, double-blind, randomized clinical study on Microphyt’s PhaeOptim — an extract from the microalgae strain Phaeodactylum tricornutum — indicates the functional ingredient supports active and healthy lifestyles, which are crucial for weight management. 

Additionally, the results show that the ingredient improves exercise capacity, strengthens cardiovascular fitness and preserves bone health. 

Compared to the control group, participants consuming PhaeOptim demonstrated better adherence to a calorie-restricted diet, enhanced aerobic capacity and improved cardiovascular and bone health. 

“These promising findings demonstrate PhaeOptim supports a holistic approach to weight management interventions by improving major physiological components that could optimize adherence to a healthy lifestyle,” says Jonathan Maury, Ph.D., clinical research manager of Microphyt. 

“PhaeOptim helped women adhere to weight management intervention goals by improving exercise adaptations, creating a more supportive, effective and possibly comfortable experience.”

Heart and bone health 
In the 12-week trial, 37 overweight but healthy women followed a calorie-restricted diet and supervised exercise, which included resistance training and walking (three days per week). The women donated a fasting blood sample and completed health and mood state inventories, plus body composition, health and exercise assessments. 

Study participants received either a placebo or 220 mg daily of PhaeOptim, standardized to 4.4 mg of fucoxanthin — a carotenoid and potent antioxidant naturally present in the microalgae. Researchers analyzed exercise capacity and heart and bone health at six and twelve weeks. The findings are published in Nutrients. 

The PhaeOptim group exhibited more significant reductions in total energy and fat intake than the placebo group. All participants aimed to reduce their calorie intake by 300 kcal daily to promote a -500 kcal/d energy deficit with exercise. 

Moreover, they experienced a 2.5-fold increase in aerobic capacity, with more significant daily improvements in walking steps. 

“PhaeOptim is a natural, sustainable and clinically proven functional ingredient that can help consumers’ wellness journey by augmenting healthy exercise and dietary choices,” comments Maury. “This study demonstrates the efficacy of PhaeOptim in enhancing exercise capacity, and cardiovascular health, as well as preventing bone damage.”

The microalgae extract helped diet adherence, enhanced aerobic capacity and improved heart and bone health.According to the researchers, PhaeOptim supported a reduction in resting heart rate by over seven beats per minute after six weeks. It further improved heart health by promoting a better lipid profile and decreasing total cholesterol to HDL (high-density lipid) cholesterol ratio. 

Moreover, the supplement supported healthy bones by maintaining bone mineral content and improving bone mineral density. 

Meanwhile, a recent study found that the microalgae extract boosted cognitive function in a mouse model study and fought age-related mental decline. 

Follow-up 
Although the study participants reported reductions in fat and weight, the differences between the treatment and control groups were not statistically significant. However, as the researchers note, there is “some benefit to the dietary supplementation of fucoxanthin while participating in a diet and exercise program” and they recommend further studies. 

For example, adding more participants would increase statistical power and may have yielded significant results. The researchers also note that adding a non-exercise and no-diet-intervention control group would help determine the added benefits of supplementation. 

New trials may evaluate higher or multiple doses of the supplement. At the same time, the study authors note that the content of omega-3 fatty acids in PhaeOptim could provide a synergistic effect on fucoxanthin. 

The researchers assert that they may have found more benefits of supplementation by analyzing all pathways fucoxanthin is reported to influence. Follow-up research should also evaluate the potential health benefits of the supplement in passive and active men and women with and without diet intervention. 

Moreover, the researchers recommend evaluating the effects of supplementation on bone turnover, bone mineral content and density in postmenopausal women and individuals with glucose intolerance, diabetes mellitus, high blood lipids, functional capacity limitations and perceptions of limited quality of life. 

By Jolanda van Hal