Fecal Fatty Acids Research Articles

Tartary buckwheat protein prevented dyslipidemia in high-fat diet-fed mice associated with gut microbiota changes

As one of low-digestible proteins, tartary buckwheat protein (BWP) revealed a cholesterol-lowering activity. The relationship between the prevention of BWP on dyslipidemia and changes in the numbers of gut microbiota was investigated. The male C57BL/6 mice were separately fed on normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD) with casein, and HFD with BWP extract for 6 weeks. Quantitative PCR assay was applied to quantify the microbiota composition in feces. The levels of plasma total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in the mice fed on HFD with BWP were significantly lower than those on HFD with casein. BWP promoted the growth of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus and inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli in HFD-fed mice. Moreover, Bifidobacterium population was closely related to contents of plasma lipids. Further, BWP significantly decreased the levels of plasma inflammation factors as induced by HFD, including lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6. BWP significantly increased the excretion of total bile acids and short-chain fatty acids in feces. In conlusion, BWP benefited cholesterol metabolism, which could be attributed to regulating composition of gut microbiota.

Resistant starch prevents tumorigenesis of dimethylhydrazine-induced colon tumors via regulation of an ER stress-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

Resistant starch is as common soluble fiber that escapes digestion in the small intestine and can regulate intestinal function, metabolism of blood glucose and lipids, and may prevent tumorigenesis of gastrointestinal cancer. Epidemiology and other evidence have suggested that resistant starch may prevent colon cancer development. The aim of the current study was to explore the ameliorative effects and potential mechanisms of resistant starch in the tumorigenesis of colon tumors induced by dimethylhydrazine in C57BL/6 mice. Western blot analysis, ELISA, microscopy, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the efficacy of resistant starch on the metabolic balance in the colon and tumorigenesis of colon tumors. The results demonstrated that a diet containing resistant starch decreased the animal body weight and reduced free ammonia, pH and short chain fatty acids in feces compared with mice that received a standard diet. Resistant starch reduced the incidence of colon tumors and suppressed the expression of carcinogenesis-associated proteins, including heat shock protein 25, protein kinase C-d and gastrointestinal glutathione peroxidase in colon epithelial cells compared with standard starch and control groups. Colon tumor cells proliferation and dedifferentiation were significantly decreased by a resistant starch diet. The results also demonstrated that resistant starch increased the apoptosis of colon tumor cells through regulation of apoptosis-associated gene expression levels in colon tumor cells. Oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress were upregulated, and elevation eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), activating transcription factor-4 and secretase-β expression levels were increased in the resistant starch diet group. Additionally, the activity of eIF2α and PERK were increased in colon tumor cells from mice that had received resistant starch. Increasing DNA damage-inducible transcript 3 protein (CHOP), binding immunoglobulin protein (BIP) and caspase-12 expression levels upregulated by resistant starch diet may contribute to the resistant starch-induced apoptosis of colon tumor cells induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. In vitro assays demonstrated that knockdown of eIF2α inhibited apoptosis of colon tumor cells isolated from mice fed with resistant starch, which also downregulated CHOP, BIP and caspase-3 expression levels compared with controls. Furthermore, long-term survival of experimental mice was prolonged by the resistant starch diet compared with the standard diet group. In conclusion, the results indicate that resistant starch in the diet may prevent carcinogenesis of colon epithelial cells, mediated by enhancing apoptosis through an endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

GC-MS Analysis of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Feces, Cecum Content, and Blood Samples.

Short-chain fatty acids, the end products of fermentation of dietary fibers by the gut microbiota, have been shown to exert multiple effects on mammalian metabolism. For the analysis of short-chain fatty acids, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is a very powerful and reliable method. Here, we describe a fast, reliable, and reproducible method for the separation and quantification of short-chain fatty acids in mouse feces, cecum content, and blood samples (i.e., plasma or serum) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The short-chain fatty acids analyzed include acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid, and heptanoic acid.

Functional insufficiency of the pancreas and the metabolic activity of the microbiota in cystic fibrosis adults patients.

In order to optimize the therapy, the functional state of the pancreas (P) and the peculiarities of metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) were assessed. 14 CF patients (20-34 years, 7 men, 7 women) were enrolled. In 8 patients, the diagnosis was confirmed in the first year of life on the basis of clinical data, positive sweat test, 5 had genetic confirmation. In 4 patients, the diagnosis was confirmed at the age of 8-13 years and 2 patients aged 18, 27 years. In this group, genetic confirmation was in 4 subjects. In addition to general clinical studies, the level of C-peptide in blood, elastase and the concentration of short chain fatty acids in feces was determined. Of elastase feces in 9 patients was 5.5±4.7 icg/g, that is revealed severe exocrine insufficiency of the pancreas and in 5 patients the elastase level was normal and amounted to 402±124 icg/g. Deployed the clinical picture of diabetes mellitus was observed in 3 patients. Metabolic activity of the colon microflora as a whole was reduced, the sum of the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (ΣCn) was 6.03±4.11 mg/g at a rate of 10.61±5.11 (p<0.05). At the same time, in some patients (group 1, n=9), who were at the time of the study on antibiotic therapy, the value of ΣCn was 3.32±0.33 mg/g, and in patients receiving probiotic drugs (group 2, n=5), the activity of microflora did not differ from the norm ((ΣCn=11.03±2.01 mg/g). The correlation dependence of the ratio of the total iso-acids fraction in patients with MV to the normal values and the level of fecal elastase (r= -0.46, p=0.049) was revealed. Most patients with CF (64%) diagnosed with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency severe according elastase stool. The activity of faecal elastase correlated with parameters of microbiocenosis, which indicates the necessity of correction is not only functional insufficiency of the pancreas, but also the state of the microbiota.

Fecal volatile fatty acids and blood metabolites in the Turkmen horse associated with type and source of cereal grains

ABSTRACTIn this experiment, corn – oat, barley – wheat and barley – oats were used as a source of starch in 1, 2 and 3 rations respectively. The ratio of concentrate to forage in all treatments were 35:65. The results showed the concentration of total protein and cholesterol were not affected by the type and source of cereal grains (P > 0.05). Serum glucose and triglyceride concentration significantly increased in corn – oats treatment (P < 0.05). Also, in this experiment total volatile fatty acids (VFA), acetate (A), propionate (P) and A/P concentrations were not affected by the type of cereal grains (P > 0.05), but valerate and butyrate concentrations significantly increased in barley – wheat treatment (P < 0.05). On the other hand, concentrations of isobutyrate and isovalerate significantly increased in corn – oats treatment (P < 0.05). Fecal pH, were not significantly different between corn – oats and barley – oats treatments (P > 0.05), although the lowest pH was observed in barley – wheat treatment (6.02). According to the results, treatment 1 (corn – oats) improved fecal VFA and blood metabolites in the comparison of the other treatments.

Rare sugars, d-allulose, d-tagatose and d-sorbose, differently modulate lipid metabolism in rats.

Rare sugars including d-allulose, d-tagatose, and d-sorbose are present in limited quantities in nature; some of these rare sugars are now commercially produced using microbial enzymes. Apart from the anti-obesity and anti-hyperglycaemic activities of d-allulose, effects of these sugars on lipid metabolism have not been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to determine if and how d-tagatose and d-sorbose modulate lipid metabolism in rats. After feeding these rare sugars to rats, parameters on lipid metabolism were determined. No diet-related effects were observed on body weight and food intake. Hepatic lipogenic enzyme activity was lowered by d-allulose and d-sorbose but increased by d-tagatose. Faecal fatty acid excretion was non-significantly decreased by d-allulose, but significantly increased by d-sorbose without affecting faecal steroid excretion. A trend toward reduced adipose tissue weight was observed in groups fed rare sugars. Serum adiponectin levels were decreased by d-sorbose relative to the control. Gene expression of cholesterol metabolism-related liver proteins tended to be down-regulated by d-allulose and d-sorbose but not by d-tagatose. In the small intestine, SR-B1 mRNA expression was suppressed by d-sorbose. Lipid metabolism in rats varies with rare sugars. Application of rare sugars to functional foods for healthy body weight maintenance requires further studies. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluation of fermented whole crop wheat and barley feeding on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal volatile fatty acid emission, blood constituents, and faecal microbiota in growing pigs

This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding diets with fermented whole crop wheat (FWW) and fermented whole crop barley (FWB) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood constituents, faecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) emission and faecal microbiota in growing pigs. A total of 200 growing pigs were randomly allotted to five treatments with eight replicates per treatment and five pigs per replicate. Dietary treatments consisted of i) CON (basal diet), ii) 0.5% FWW (CON + 0.5% fermented whole crop wheat), iii) 1.0% FWW (CON + 1.0% fermented whole crop wheat), iv) 0.5% FWB (CON + 0.5% fermented whole crop barley), and v) 1.0% FWB (CON + 1.0% fermented whole crop barley). The digestibility of total dietary fibre was significantly higher in pigs fed FWW diets. The faecal emissions of VFA of pigs fed the fermented treatments was increased significantly compared with CON. Concentrations of cortisol and triglyceride in blood of pigs fed 1.0% FWW were significantly lower than pigs fed CON diets. The pigs fed 1.0% FWB diets had a significantly decreased level of total cholesterol in blood compared with CON. In conclusion, the current results indicated that diets supplemented with FWW and FWB could increase faecal VFA emission and reduce concentration of triglyceride and cortisol, while 0.5% and 1.0% FWW had no negative effects on growth performance, and could increase digestibility of dietary fibre in growing pigs. Keywords: Dietary fibre, faecal short-chain fatty acid emissions, fermented feed, serum parameter, swine

Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To assess the benefits of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) in children with complicated severe acute malnutrition. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial in 90 children aged 6-60 months with complicated severe acute malnutrition at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Malawi. All children received standard care; the intervention group also received PERT for 28 days. Children treated with PERT for 28 days did not gain more weight than controls (13.7 ± 9.0% in controls vs 15.3 ± 11.3% in PERT; P = .56). Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency was present in 83.1% of patients on admission and fecal elastase-1 levels increased during hospitalization mostly seen in children with nonedematous severe acute malnutrition (P <.01). Although the study was not powered to detect differences in mortality, mortality was significantly lower in the intervention group treated with pancreatic enzymes (18.6% vs 37.8%; P < .05). Children who died had low fecal fatty acid split ratios at admission. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency was not improved by PERT, but children receiving PERT were more likely to be discharged with every passing day (P = .02) compared with controls. PERT does not improve weight gain in severely malnourished children but does increase the rate of hospital discharge. Mortality was lower in patients on PERT, a finding that needs to be investigated in a larger cohort with stratification for edematous and nonedematous malnutrition. Mortality in severe acute malnutrition is associated with markers of poor digestive function. ISRCTN.com: 57423639.

Almond fatty acid bioavailability in hyperlipidemia: A randomized controlled crossover trial

ObjectiveAlmond intake is associated with reduced coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, yet concern remains that weight gain may occur due to their high fat content and subsequent energy density. Our aim was to assess fatty acid bioavailability of almond intake, using linoleic acid (18:2n‐6) as a marker of fat absorption, in individuals with hyperlipidemia as part of a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled clinical trial.MethodsIn a randomized crossover study, 27 hyperlipidemic men and women incorporated 3 isoenergetic (mean 423 kcal/d) supplements into a NCEP Step 2 diet each for 1 month. Supplements provided 22.2% of energy and consisted of full‐dose almonds (73±3 g/d), half‐dose almonds plus half‐dose muffins, and full‐dose muffins (control), matched for linoleic acid content. Fecal samples were collected at the end of each treatment period. Fatty acids were measured in the dietary supplements and freeze‐dried fecal samples using gas chromatography.ResultsTwenty‐two participants had fecal fatty acid data available from all 3 dietary phases for analyses. In the control supplement, linoleic acid comprised of 5.4 mg/g (536 mg/d), comparable to the linoleic acid content of the almond supplement of 5.7 mg/g (428 mg/d). There was a significantly greater amount of fecal linoleic acid following almond intake (7201±1147 mg/d) compared with the control (1802±1102 mg/d), adjusted for linoleic intake (P&lt;0.01). For every half dose increase in almond intake (i.e. approximately 37.5 g almonds/day) there was a 2693 mg/day increase in linoleic acid excreted in the feces (P‐trend = 0.0024).ConclusionsA dose‐response was observed with increasing linoleic acid excretion with increased almond intake. The fat content of almonds may not be as bioavailable as predicted by Atwater factors as suggested by the increased linoleic acid excretion with almond intake compared to the control. With less fat being bioavailable, meaning less kilocalories may be absorbed by the body, the concern of the ‘high energy density’ of almonds and risk of weight gain may be overstated.Protocol registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier, [NCT00507520]Support or Funding InformationSource of Research Support: Almond Board of California; PSI Foundation; Banting and Best Diabetes Centre; Canadian Diabetes Association

Bifidobacterium adolescentis Exerts Strain-Specific Effects on Constipation Induced by Loperamide in BALB/c Mice.

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints worldwide. This study was performed to determine whether Bifidobacterium adolescentis exerts inter-strain differences in alleviating constipation induced by loperamide in BALB/c mice and to analyze the main reasons for these differences. BALB/c mice underwent gavage with B. adolescentis (CCFM 626, 667, and 669) once per day for 17 days. The primary outcome measures included related constipation indicators, and the secondary outcome measures were the basic biological characteristics of the strains, the concentration changes of short-chain fatty acids in feces, and the changes in the fecal flora. B. adolescentis CCFM 669 and 667 relieved constipation symptoms by adhering to intestinal epithelial cells, growing quickly in vitro and increasing the concentrations of propionic and butyric acids. The effect of B. adolescentis on the gut microbiota in mice with constipation was investigated via 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis. The results revealed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased and the amount of Clostridium decreased in the B. adolescentis CCFM 669 and 667 treatment groups. In conclusion, B. adolescentis exhibits strain-specific effects in the alleviation of constipation, mostly due to the strains’ growth rates, adhesive capacity and effects on the gut microbiome and microenvironment.

Anthocyanins from black wolfberry (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) prevent inflammation and increase fecal fatty acid in diet-induced obese rats

This study aimed to determine whether black wolfberry (Lycium ruthenicumMurr.) anthocyanin (BWA) consumption can alleviate oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in high-fat diet-induced obese male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Characterisation of Fecal Soap Fatty Acids, Calcium Contents, Bacterial Community and Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Sprague Dawley Rats Fed with Different sn-2 Palmitic Triacylglycerols Diets.

The structure of dietary triacylglycerols is thought to influence fatty acid and calcium absorption, as well as intestinal microbiota population of the host. In the present study, we investigated the impact of palmitic acid (PA) esterified at the sn-2 position on absorption of fatty acid and calcium and composition of intestinal microorganisms in rats fed high-fat diets containing either low sn-2 PA (12.1%), medium sn-2 PA (40.4%) or high sn-2 PA (56.3%), respectively. Fecal fatty acid profiles in the soaps were measured by gas chromatography (GC), while fecal calcium concentration was detected by ICP-MS. The fecal microbial composition was assessed using a 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology and fecal short-chain fatty acids were detected by ion chromatograph. Dietary supplementation with a high sn-2 PA fat significantly reduced total fecal contents of fatty acids soap and calcium compared with the medium or low sn-2 PA fat groups. Diet supplementation with sn-2 PA fat did not change the entire profile of the gut microbiota community at phylum level and the difference at genera level also were minimal in the three treatment groups. However, high sn-2 PA fat diet could potentially improve total short-chain fatty acids content in the feces, suggesting that high dietary sn-2 PA fat might have a beneficial effect on host intestinal health.

Effect of Replacing Corn Meal with Barely on Fecal Microbial, Gas Emission, and Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA) Concentration in Growing Pig

Effect of Replacing Corn Meal with Barely on Fecal Microbial, Gas Emission, and Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA) Concentration in Growing Pig

Safety profile of solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with rosmarinic acid for oral use: in vitro and animal approaches.

Rosmarinic acid (RA) possesses several protective bioactivities that have attracted increasing interest by nutraceutical/pharmaceutical industries. Considering the reduced bioavailability after oral use, effective (and safe) delivery systems are crucial to protect RA from gastrointestinal degradation. This study aims to characterize the safety profile of solid lipid nanoparticles produced with Witepsol and Carnauba waxes and loaded with RA, using in vitro and in vivo approaches, focused on genotoxicity and cytotoxicity assays, redox status markers, hematological and biochemical profile, liver and kidney function, gut bacterial microbiota, and fecal fatty acids composition. Free RA and sage extract, empty nanoparticles, or nanoparticles loaded with RA or sage extract (0.15 and 1.5 mg/mL) were evaluated for cell (lymphocytes) viability, necrosis and apoptosis, and antioxidant/prooxidant effects upon DNA. Wistar rats were orally treated for 14 days with vehicle (control) and with Witepsol or Carnauba nanoparticles loaded with RA at 1 and 10 mg/kg body weight/d. Blood, urine, feces, and several tissues were collected for analysis. Free and loaded RA, at 0.15 mg/mL, presented a safe profile, while genotoxic potential was found for the higher dose (1.5 mg/mL), mainly by necrosis. Our data suggest that both types of nanoparticles are safe when loaded with moderate concentrations of RA, without in vitro genotoxicity and cytotoxicity and with an in vivo safety profile in rats orally treated, thus opening new avenues for use in nutraceutical applications.

Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase-deficient mice are protected from high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-induced metabolic disorders

Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids in the liver. In addition to absorption and digestion of nutrients, bile acids play a critical role in the regulation of lipid, glucose, and energy homeostasis. We have backcrossed Cyp7a1(-/-) mice in a mixed B6/129Sv genetic background to C57BL/6J mice to generate Cyp7a1(-/-) mice in a near-pure C57BL/6J background. These mice survive well and have normal growth and a bile acid pool size ∼60% of WT mice. The expression of the genes in the alternative bile acid synthesis pathway are upregulated, resulting in a more hydrophilic bile acid composition with reduced cholic acid (CA). Surprisingly, Cyp7a1(-/-) mice have improved glucose sensitivity with reduced liver triglycerides and fecal bile acid excretion, but increased fecal fatty acid excretion and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) when fed a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet. Supplementing chow and Western diets with CA restored bile acid composition, reversed the glucose tolerant phenotype, and reduced the RER. Our current study points to a critical role of bile acid composition, rather than bile acid pool size, in regulation of glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism to improve glucose and insulin tolerance, maintain metabolic homeostasis, and prevent high-fat diet-induced metabolic disorders.

Abstract A54: Changes in fatty acid profile indicate a chemo-preventive response to navy bean extract in an inflammation-associated colorectal cancer mouse model

Abstract Introduction: Consumption of dry beans and their fractions decrease colorectal neoplasia; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Aim of the study was to identify response indicators of dietary attenuation of colorectal tumorigenesis using metabolic profiling. Methods: The study had a 2 x 2 factorial design. After being either induced or not with azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS), male FVB/N mice were fed an AIN93G diet containing either 0 (Control) or 10% navy bean ethanol extract (BE) for 6 weeks. Colon tissue was collected and analyzed for colitis, aberrant cell proliferation, and tumor, whereas serum, feed, and fecal samples were analyzed for metabolite levels. Results: Dietary BE attenuated AOM/DSS-induced chronic colitis, aberrant epithelial cell proliferation, fecal blood (heme), and tumorigenesis (-40%; P=0.02) in the colon. Similar changes were observed for fecal medium-chain fatty acids (hexanoate, octonoate) and plant phenolics (vanillate) and serum markers of fatty acid oxidation (carnitine, hexanoylcarnitine), and the pentose phosphate pathway (sedophetulose-7-phosphate). Moreover, dietary BE increased fecal markers of apoptosis (ribose, uracil, pseudouridine, xanthine, hypoxanthine) and attenuated the AOM/DSS-induced decrease in serum glycerophosphocholine. Conclusions: Dietary BE may inhibit survival and proliferation of premalignant colorectal epithelial cells by promoting fatty acid oxidation and resolving inflammation. Citation Format: Thushanthi H. Perera, Matthew R, Young, Shakir M. Saud, Christopher R. Dextras, Yava L. Jones-Hall, Edward D. Karoly, Brante P. Sampey, Young S. Kim, Nancy H. Colburn, Gerd Bobe. Changes in fatty acid profile indicate a chemo-preventive response to navy bean extract in an inflammation-associated colorectal cancer mouse model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Metabolism and Cancer; Jun 7-10, 2015; Bellevue, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(1_Suppl):Abstract nr A54.

Black tea polyphenols and polysaccharides improve body composition, increase fecal fatty acid, and regulate fat metabolism in high-fat diet-induced obese rats.

With the current changes in diet and living habits, obesity has become a global health problem. Thus, the weight-reducing function of tea has attracted considerable attention. This study investigated the anti-obesity effect and the mechanism of black tea (BT) polyphenols and polysaccharides in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The BT polyphenols and polysaccharides reduced the body weight, Lee's index, visceral fat weight, and fat cell size but improved the biochemical profile and increased the fecal fatty acid content, thereby preventing high-fat diet-induced obesity. A gene expression profile array was used to screen eight upregulated and five downregulated differentially expressed genes that affect fat metabolic pathways, such as glycerolipid and glycerophospholipid metabolism, fatty acid degradation, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, bile and pancreatic secretion, the insulin signaling pathway, and steroid hormone secretion. The BT polyphenols and polysaccharides suppressed the formation and accumulation of fat and promoted its decomposition to prevent obesity.

PROSPECTS OF USING OF NEW FERMENTED SOUR MILK FOOD PRODUCTS IN HEALTHY INFANTS

The article presents the results of the evaluation of the influence of fermented and non-fermented sour milk food products with probiotics on anthropometric data, general clinical parameters and indicators of the functional activity of intestine microbiota in infants. Based on the results of initial examination 103 children were chosen and divided into the following groups: the main group receiving products fermented with probiotics (Bifidobacterium longum, Streptococcus termophillus) (subgroup 1, n = 36, received bioryazhenka, subgroup 2, n = 34, received bioprostokvasha); the control group received non-fermented baby kefir. The results of research in dynamics in 4 weeks showed that intake of all sour milk products was accompanied with positive adequate growth in height and weight (within the period of observation) and doesn’t cause disturbances in indicators of red blood cells and hemoglobin. But it’s the fermented with probiotics products have a sufficient positive influence on the metabolic activity of intestine microbiota - short-chained fatty acids in feces - in contrast to the control group.

4 Fecal fatty acids in yearlings fed diets differing in carbohydrate fractions

4 Fecal fatty acids in yearlings fed diets differing in carbohydrate fractions

Effects of Algae Feeding on Mouse Metabolome

Algae are a rich source of macronutrients and micronutrients, but metabolic impact of algae feeding on animals is not well defined. In this study, 3 groups of mice were fed AIN93G substituted with 0, 5% or 20% dried powder of a fresh water green algae (Scenedemus spp.). Serum, urine, fecal and tissue samples were collected at the end of 4-week treatments. Metabolic changes were evaluated by growth performance, blood chemistry and untargeted metabolomics. Compared with control diet, feeding 5% algae increased daily weight gain and feed intake (P < 0.01) while 20% algae decreased both parameters (P < 0.01). Serum glucose, triglyceride, and blood urea nitrogen levels were not affected by algae feeding, except serum cholesterol level was reduced by feeding 20% algae (P < 0.01). Metabolomic analysis identified diverse metabolic changes after algae feeding. The metabolites affected by 5% and 20% algae feeding include porphyrin pigments and bile acid metabolites in feces, free threonine and lysine in serum, glycine conjugates of medium-chain fatty acids and bacterial metabolites in urine. In addition, 20% algae also increased the levels of water-soluble vitamins in urine and long-chain fatty acids in feces, while decreased the levels of free aspartate, glutamate and taurine in serum and triglycerides in liver. Those observations suggest that feeding algae leads to dose-dependent changes in amino acid, lipid and bacterial metabolism, which could be the causes or the consequences of observed changes in growth and feed intake.