Metabolic syndrome is a major concern worldwide and in Pakistan as well. Metabolic syndrome
is a pathologic condition which includes abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension
and hyperlipidemia. Seafood consumption has been linked to reduced risk of many health
conditions including altered blood profile. Green seaweed is known to have a potential in
optimizing the blood profile and so, it is helpful in reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome
by playing a role in preventing obesity, hyperglycemia, high blood pressure and altered lipid
profile.
Statement of problem: The number of people with high LDL-cholesterol, body mass index and
fasting plasma glucose levels has been increasing. These factors are promoting the risk of
metabolic syndrome in Pakistan. 26-38% people in Pakistan are reported to be a patient of
metabolic syndrome. Seaweed has shown to be protective against the syndrome in previous
studies. The goal of this study is to check the role of green seaweed against metabolic
syndrome.
Hypothesis: Green seaweed (Ulva Lactuca) has a potential to manage metabolic syndrome.
Objective: To assess the therapeutic effect of green seaweed (Ulva Lactuca) against metabolic
syndrome.
Methodology: Green seaweed powder will be procured from Taokaenoi Food and Marketing Public
Co., Ltd. (Thailand). The proximate analysis of the product will be performed and then
capsules of powder will be prepared to be consumed by the participants. Total 40 subjects (20
in treatment group and 20 in control group) will be selected and green seaweed powder will be
added in their diets (200mg twice a day). After a trial of 40 days, the patients will be
assessed. Assessment will include anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, lipid profile
analysis and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) which will be monitored before and after the
trial and final,ly, the data collected will be analyzed by using SPSS 25 by paired sample t
test. P value ≤ 0.05 will be considered significant.
Expected outcomes: Green seaweed (Ulva Lactuca) powder will prove to have therapeutic
potential against obesity, hypertension, glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia.