The effect of algae supplementation on lipid profile and blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

To assess the effects of algae supplementation on lipid profiles and blood pressure in adults, we conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A total of 77 RCTs with 3686 participants were included. Algae supplementation significantly reduced triglycerides (TG) (WMD:-7.99 mg/dL, 95 % CI:-12.71,-3.26), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD:-11.01 mg/dL, 95 % CI:-14.26,-7.76), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (WMD:-10.17 mg/dL, 95 % CI:-13.12,-7.22) levels, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (WMD: 1.66 mg/dL, 95 % CI: 0.73, 2.59). No significant changes were observed in the LDL/HDL ratio and systolic blood pressure (SBP), but diastolic blood pressure (DBP) significantly decreased (WMD:-1.71 mmHg, 95 % CI:-2.72,-0.71). These findings suggest that algae supplementation can improve cardiovascular health markers, although further research is needed to address the observed variability.