Seaweed Reduces Fat Uptake by 75%

Great news for the overweight and obese - a common seaweed can reduce your fat uptake by more than 75%, according to new studies.

Scientists at Newcastle University found that Alginate, a natural fibre found in sea kelp, can stop the body from absorbing fat more efficiently than most over-the-counter anti-obesity treatments. The scientists have also added the alginate to bread in hopes that they'll develop foods that combat obesity.

The team tested more than 60 different natural fibres by measuring the amount of fat digested and absorbed with the use of an artificial gut. They've presented their findings at the American Chemical Society in San Francisco. They are hopeful that they'll be able to add these fibres to common food products such as bread and yogurt which would result in 3/4 of the fat passing through the body. The initial taste tests of alginate added to bread have been encouraging and their next step will be to see how effective they are when eaten as part of a normal diet.

The research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and is part of a three year project that addresses the obesity epidemic. "Obesity is an ever-growing problem and many people find it difficult to stick to diet and exercise plans in order to lose weight," explained Dr Iain Brownlee, team leader of the project. "Alginates not only have great potential for weight management -- adding them to food also has the added advantage of boosting overall fibre content."

Alginates are common in many foods and used as thickeners and stabilisers. When added to bread as part of a blind taste test, the alginate bread scored higher for better texture and richness than standard bread. Dietary fibre is classified as a plant-based carbohydrate that escapes digestion in the gut.