Effect of Sodium Alginates Rich in Guluronic and Mannuronic Acids on Cholesterol Levels and Digestive Organs of High-cholesterol-fed Rats.

Abstract

Comparative effects of sodium alginates rich in guluronic and mannuronic acids on cholesterol levels and digestive organs were evaluated in rats fed with diets containing both alginates and cholesterol. Food intake of rats fed on diets with alginate was significantly smaller than that without alginate. Animals on guluronic acid-rich alginate had a significantly lower food intake and grew more poorly than did those on mannuronic acid-rich alginate. Both alginate diets produced a significantly lighter liver and spleen, but a heavier cecum, small intestine, and large intestine compared to diets without alginate. Alginates protected to become a fatty liver in rats which took a large quantity of cholesterol. Dramatic reductions in liver cholesterol were found in rats fed with each alginate, and cholesterol accumulation was significantly low in mannuronic acid-rich alginate. In addition, both alginates were shown to have a high potential for lowering the serum cholesterol level, but the HDL-cholesterol levels were statistically similar. The main reason for the lowering of the serum cholesterol level seemed to be the lower amount of ingested cholesterol. The fatty acid composition of liver fat in rats fed with alginates was nearly the same as that without cholesterol.