Reduction Effect of Calcium Alginate on Blood Triglyceride Levels Causing the Inhibition of Hepatic and Total Body Accumulation of Fat in Rats.

In this study, rats were fed a high-fat diet containing calcium alginate (Ca-Alg) for 5 weeks to examine the effects of Ca-Alg on lipid metabolism including triglyceride (TG) levels in the blood. We also investigated the mechanism of the TG-reducing effect of Alg in vitro. Rats were randomized into 5 groups: high-fat diet group (14% (w/w) lard, HF); three Ca-Alg-containing diet groups (2.

Relationship between Physical Parameters of Various Metal Ions and Binding Affinity for Alginate.

We investigated the relationship between the physical parameters of various metal ions, including toxic metal ions, and the binding affinity of these metal ions for alginate (Alg). The binding constant, K, of Sr was the highest among all tested metal ions. The order of K values was: Sr>Pb>Tb>Dy>Ca>Cd>Mg>Fe>Fe>Co>Al>Ni>Cs>Cu>Ag>Li>K.

Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Calcium Alginate in Rats.

We examined whether calcium alginate (Ca-Alg) reduces blood cholesterol levels in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet. First, we examined taurocholate adsorption in vitro by various types of sodium alginate (Na-Alg). High molecular-weight, guluronic acid-rich Na-Alg showed the greatest adsorption of taurocholate, and therefore the corresponding Ca-Alg was chosen for the in vivo study.

Alginate enhances excretion and reduces absorption of strontium and cesium in rats.

Alginate (ALA), which is an intercellular polysaccharide associated with brown algae, is used as a food additive, a health food and a medicine. Here, we first examined the adsorption of strontium (Sr) and cesium (Cs) by ALA in vitro, and then evaluated the effects of ALA on absorption and excretion of Sr and Cs in rats, in order to evaluate its potential usefulness for minimizing radiation damage from materials released after a nuclear accident. Both Sr and Cs were concentration-dependently adsorbed by sodium alginate (ALA-Na) in vitro.