April 23, 2015, Vienna, Austria: A study revealed today at The International Liver Congress™ 2015 has demonstrated that alginate-enriched bread has the potential to inhibit fat digestion and circulatory lipids in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Alginates are polysaccharides extracted from brown algae that are non-digestible in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Specific alginates are able to inhibit the activity of pancreatic lipase and thus reduce fat digestion and absorption. This study set out to determine if alginate-enriched bread inhibits fat digestion and circulatory lipids.
The results show that alginate-enriched bread attenuated fat digestion by up to 31%, highlighting its potential use as a therapeutic weight and metabolic management therapy in patients with NAFLD.
NAFLD is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver. In some cases this accumulation of fat can cause inflammation of the liver and, eventually, lead to permanent scarring (cirrhosis), which can seriously impair the liver's ability to function.
This is the first study to show that alginate-enriched products can reduce fat digestion in man.
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About The International Liver Congress™
This annual congress is the biggest event in the EASL calendar, attracting scientific and medical experts from around the world to learn about the latest in liver research. Specialists share research studies and findings, and discuss the hottest topics related to liver disease. This year, the congress is expected to attract approximately 10,000 delegates from all corners of the globe. 2015 is a very special year for EASL and the hepatology community as they will celebrate the 50th annual meeting. The International Liver Congress™ takes place from April 22-26, 2015, Vienna, Austria.
About EASL
Since EASL's foundation in 1966, this not-for-profit organisation has grown to over 4,000 members from more than 100 countries around the world. EASL is the leading liver association in Europe, it attracts the foremost hepatology experts and has an impressive track record in promoting research in liver disease, supporting wider education and promoting changes in European liver policy.
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