Irritable Bowel Syndrome Can Now Be Treated With Algae

The symptoms diminish or even disappear

In previous analyses in rats, it was found that consumption of C. reinhardtii reduces weight loss in rats with acute colitis as a result of inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Based on these results, researchers at Mayfield Laboratory performed a similar test on human volunteers. For one month, these participants took daily scoops of C. reinhardtii powder made from biomass while reporting on their gastrointestinal health. As a result, volunteers who had symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome reported less diarrhea and intestinal discomfort. Their gas and bloating were significantly reduced and bowel movements became regular.

The microbiota was not impacted

The positive effects of these algae were therefore quickly observed. In addition, the researchers determined on the basis of stool samples that the intestinal microbiota of the participants continued to be diverse. This is associated with good health. The actual composition of the intestinal bacteria has not really changed, which is encouraging. The researchers in the study now want to carry out tests with more people and over longer periods of time. They also still do not know how these algae improve the health of the gastrointestinal tract.