(P19-003-24) Functionalized Lettuce by Seaweed Extract: New Strategy Ecofriendly and Cost-Effective for Preventing Minerals Deficiency in Healthy Individuals

Objectives: To meet the increasing market demand for vegetables an elevated level of fertilizers and pesticides are administered. Plant biostimulants are new alternative supplements ecofriendly and cost-effective that naturally enhance vegetables quality and growth by a naturally functionalizing process. The Seaweed extracts from Ecklonia maxima (SwE) is a biostimulant that enhances mineral concentration in vegetables. Minerals have essential metabolic biological functions for human health and are primarily obtained through diet. There are no studies that have investigated the effects of a nutritional intervention with functionalized lettuce by SwE biostimulant in the human population. The present study investigated whether supplementation with SwE lettuce for four weeks influences endogenous mineral micronutrients concentration and the potential metabolic pathways involved.

Methods: 55 healthy volunteers were allocated in a double-blinded manner into groups that consumed 100 grams a day of control lettuce, SwE lettuce or one tablet of iron for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the trial and compared among the groups for differences in serum mineral concentrations (sodium, calcium, potassium iron, magnesium, phosphorus) iron and glucose homeostasis.

Results: The consumption of SwE lettuce did not affect sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus concentrations but significantly enhanced iron serum levels. It also improved iron homeostasis by increasing transferrin saturation but did not affect transferrin and ferritin. The consumption of SwE lettuce did not affect glucose homeostasis (fasting glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, β-cell function, and insulin sensitivity). Supplements of iron, for four weeks, increased serum iron and transferrin saturation similar to SwE lettuce but with side effects like diarrhea or constipation.

Conclusions: The study showed that consumption of SwE lettuce increases iron concentration within physiological range and ameliorates iron homeostasis. This suggests that Seaweed Extract is an ecofriendly and cost-effective tool that when used for functionalizing vegetables like lettuce could potentially prevent micronutrients deficiency.

Funding Sources: PJ_UTILE_2022_VQR_Misura_B_ D15_Baldassano