Microalgae May Help Improve Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels

Very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) is a type of blood fat that is considered one of the bad forms of cholesterol, along with LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. A recent study has found that supplementation with EPA-rich microalgae may help improve VLDL and total cholesterol levels.

Participants in the study included 120 healthy people over the age of 25. They received 1 gram of the EPA-rich microalgae or a placebo daily for 3 months. Blood samples were taken at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Blood pressure, fasting total cholesterol, triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, EPA, and DHA levels were measured at baseline, week 6, and week 12.

Participants in the microalgae group saw significant increases in EPA levels compared to the placebo group. No increases were seen in DHA levels. They also saw a 25% decrease in VLDL and a 3% decrease in total cholesterol. Participants in the microalgae group with high cholesterol levels at baseline saw a 27% reduction in VLDL and a 4% reduction in total cholesterol. No differences were seen between the groups in HDL cholesterol or triglycerides.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Sydney. It was published online ahead of print on June 23, 2020 in the journal Nutrients.