Study on the Efficacy of Chlorella in Alleviating Constipation and Reducing Low-Grade Inflammation in Pregnant Women: Results and Implications
Pregnancy induces significant changes in hormones, metabolism, immune response, and microbiome (Amir et al., 2020).
The prevalence of constipation in pregnancy ranges from 11% to 38%, with causes including increased progesterone levels, variations in fluid and fiber intake, changes in the intestinal microbiome, and supplementation, such as iron (Amir et al., 2020; Vazquez, 2010).
Chronic low-grade inflammation in the intestine, vagina, or oral cavity during pregnancy has been linked to health issues in both pregnant women and fetuses (Bumrungpert et al., 2022; Choi et al., 2016; Kim et al., 2022; Yeates et al., 2020).
Low-grade inflammation increases the risk of labor complications, preterm birth, prematurity, autism, and other future offspring diseases (Amir et al., 2020; Bumrungpert et al., 2022; Choi et al., 2016; Kim et al., 2022; Vazquez, 2010).
Consumption of healthy foods is important for pregnant women, and improper diet and/or inability to process foods for their bioavailability reduce the body’s adaptive capacity and can create an environment that favors diseases and metabolic disorders (Rook & Brunet, 2005; Yeates et al., 2020).
Chlorella is a single-celled green algae that grows in freshwater and contains much higher levels of protein and chlorophyll than other plants.
Chlorella species are rich in vitamins, including various forms of folate and vitamins B12 and D, minerals such as iron and magnesium, and dietary fibers (Marik, 2012; Mizoguchi et al., 2008; Nakano et al., 2010).
The polysaccharides from Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa) can modulate the intestinal microbiota by promoting beneficial bacteria, inhibiting the growth of harmful ones, and reducing the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroides.
The polysaccharides from C. pyrenoidosa can increase the content of short-chain fatty acids, which specifically interact with the immune system, including transitioning to tolerant populations, thus conferring maternal health benefits and promoting healthy immune imprinting in the fetus (Miyazawa et al., 2013; Nakano et al., 2007).
Chlorella species and Chlorella extracts have been reported to exert a variety of effects, including reducing inflammation and cholesterol levels, preventing stress-induced ulcers, increasing resistance to infections and anticancer activity, decreasing dioxins in breast milk, and reducing the risk of anemia, proteinuria, and edema in pregnant women.
The present study evaluated the effectiveness of Chlorella supplementation for pregnant women with low-grade inflammation.
Pregnancy drastically alters maternal metabolism and the microbiome. Low-grade inflammation can cause maternal complications and fetal anomalies.
The aim of this open-label, randomized, controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of orally administered Chlorella for pregnant women with low-grade inflammation.
Patients with C-reactive protein levels >0.05 mg/dL (16 weeks gestation, n = 22) were recruited and randomly assigned to the Chlorella group (n = 10) or the control group (n = 12). Blood biochemical tests were conducted at 25, 30, and 35 weeks of gestation, and evacuation status (symptoms based on Rome IV C2 criteria and laxative use), side effects, and complications during the investigation were assessed, also monitoring the status of the offspring.
The Chlorella group (n = 0) showed a significantly lower constipation rate compared to the control group (n = 8). This study demonstrated the beneficial effects and safety of Chlorella supplementation in pregnant women, avoiding constipation and unnecessary laxative administration.
If your company wishes to create or manufacture a product to alleviate constipation and reduce low-grade inflammation in pregnant women
Source: Amir, M., Brown, J. A., Rager, S. L., Sanidad, K. Z., Ananthanarayanan, A., & Zeng, M. Y. (2020). Maternal microbiome and infections in pregnancy. Microorganisms, 8(12), 1996.
