Abstract
BackgroundChlorella, a unicellular green alga that grows in fresh water, contains high levels of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. Some studies have reported favorable immune function-related effects on biological secretions such as blood and breast milk in humans who have ingested a chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement. However, the effects of chlorella-derived supplement on mucosal immune functions remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether chlorella ingestion increases the salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) secretion in humans using a blind, randomized, crossover study design.MethodsFifteen men took 30 placebo and 30 chlorella tablets per day for 4 weeks separated by a 12-week washout period. Before and after each trial, saliva samples were collected from a sterile cotton ball that was chewed after overnight fasting. Salivary SIgA concentrations were measured using ELISA.ResultsCompliance rates for placebo and chlorella ingestions were 97.0 ± 1.0% and 95.3 ± 1.6%, respectively. No difference was observed in salivary SIgA concentrations before and after placebo ingestion (P = 0.38). However, salivary SIgA concentrations were significantly elevated after chlorella ingestion compared to baseline (P < 0.01). No trial × period interaction was identified for the saliva flow rates. Although the SIgA secretion rate was not affected by placebo ingestion (P = 0.36), it significantly increased after 4-week chlorella ingestion than before intake (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThese results suggest 4-week ingestion of a chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement increases salivary SIgA secretion and possibly improves mucosal immune function in humans.
Highlights
Protein-calorie [1,2,3], vitamin [4,5,6], iron [7], and folate [8] malnutrition has been reported to cause immune deficiencies
We investigated the effects of 4-week placebo/chlorella supplementation on salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) secretion in young men using a blind, randomized, crossover study design
Trial × period interaction was identified for salivary SIgA concentrations (F = 5.9, P = 0.02)
Summary
Protein-calorie [1,2,3], vitamin [4,5,6], iron [7], and folate [8] malnutrition has been reported to cause immune deficiencies. A unicellular green alga that grows in fresh water, contains high levels of proteins, chlorophylls, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. This is an important advantage as an ingredient of dietary supplement. Previous studies have reported an association between SIgA concentrations and risks of infection [24,25,26] It is of interest whether oral supplementation with chlorella can increase the salivary or intestinal-fluid SIgA secretion. A unicellular green alga that grows in fresh water, contains high levels of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. Some studies have reported favorable immune function-related effects on biological secretions such as blood and breast milk in humans who have ingested a chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether chlorella ingestion increases the salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) secretion in humans using a blind, randomized, crossover study design
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