Researchers in the University of California San Diego have concluded that consuming green algae improves gastrointestinal issues associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This includes diseases such as diarrhoea, gas and bloating.

After years of looking at the algae as a dietary nutraceutical that provide beneficial oils, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and antioxidants, researchers turned their attention to investigating the algae as a nutritious food additive for improving human health.

After testing it on mice, the researchers tested it on volunteers, who daily consumed a spoonful of the algae in powder form for one month. The results showed that the participants who suffered from the history of frequent gastrointestinal symptoms reported significant less bowel problems, less gas, bloating, and more regular bowel movement.

The stool samples of the volunteers were sent for testing. The results indicated that the git microbiome composition remained diverse, which typical of individuals with no IBS symptoms. However the researchers are still unclear how the algae works to improve the gastrointestinal health, and therefore want more research done.