Algae
Algae are a diverse group of mostly aquatic organisms that live by photosynthesis, from single-celled microalgae such as chlorella to large seaweeds.
Do algae supplements improve cholesterol?
A 2024 umbrella review brought together 25 reviews and meta-analyses covering algae and their extracts. Pooled findings suggested improvements in several measurements, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and blood sugar. The authors also identified shortcomings in study quality and too few studies for some outcomes. This supports further work on particular preparations, not a promise that any algae product will produce the same changes. 1
What about inflammation and oxidative stress?
The same review did not find a benefit for inflammation or oxidative-stress markers in the limited available studies. That is a finding about the measurements and preparations studied, rather than proof that every algae-derived compound lacks biological activity. 1
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Longevity1 effect
Essential Health1 effect
Cardiovascular1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Gut Health2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Hair & Skin2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Immune Support1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
All studies
5 publications are linked to Algae, newest first.