A recent Chinese study has shown that a natural food supplement extracted from brown algae can improve brain function and help fight cognitive impairment.
The research team prepared a compound of saturated alginate oligosaccharides (SAOS) extracted from sodium alginate found in brown algae, and studied its effect on animals with artificially induced memory impairment.
The results showed that regular consumption of SAOS leads to improved cognitive functions, as it increased the production of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for memory, and reduced levels of oxidative stress, including malondialdehyde, an indicator of cell damage.
Furthermore, the supplement helped maintain healthy gut bacteria, specifically increasing the abundance of beneficial Roseburia bacteria. Metabolic analysis also revealed that this supplement supports the restoration of levels of bioactive compounds in the blood and brain, compounds that are important for nerve cell function.
Researchers assert that SAOS may be considered a promising functional supplement for preventing and improving cognitive impairment, opening new horizons for nutrition that supports brain health.
A study by scientists from Russia also showed that mitochondria in liver cells can be protected from toxic effects using the antioxidant astaxanthin, which is foundin seaweed.
