Can alginate-based preloads increase weight loss beyond calorie restriction? A pilot study in obese individuals

This randomized, controlled, 2-week intervention study in 24 obese subjects tested the effect on body weight loss and gastrointestinal tolerance of consuming low viscous alginate fibre-based preloads of 3% concentration (500 ml volume) three times a day as an adjuvant to a calorie-restricted diet. The pilot study showed that intake of the alginate preloads was moderately acceptable to the majority of subjects but did not produce additional body weight loss beyond calorie restriction (−1.42 ± 0.38 kg) (n = 12) compared to control group (−1.56 ± 0.21 kg) (n = 8). These results do not support that alginate supplementation enhance the weight loss effects of a hypo-caloric diet, but a sufficiently powered long-term study is needed to explore whether alginate could be an aid for improving weight loss during caloric-restriction.

► Changes in body weight and gastrointestinal tolerance after consuming alginate as an adjuvant to a calorie-restricted diet were investigated.
► The alginate was moderately acceptable to the majority of subjects.
► No additional body weight loss beyond calorie restriction was found.
► Alginate supplementation does not enhance the weight loss effects of a hypo-caloric diet.
► Long-term study is needed to explore whether alginate could be an aid for improving weight loss.