Vitamin A Value of Spirulina Carotenoids in Humans

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The goal of this protocol is to determine the vitamin A value (equivalence) of spirulina. The investigation will use intrinsically deuterium labeled spirulina and an isotope vitamin A reference dose, 13C10- retinyl acetate (13C10 RAc), in males (n=20). Up to 45 blood samples (10 ml/sample) will be collected from each subject over a two-month period to evaluate the bioavailability and bioconversion of spirulina ß-carotene to vitamin A.

Detailed Description
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By utilizing novel stable isotope dilution techniques recently developed in our laboratory, we will trace deuterium labeled ß-carotene in intrinsically labeled spirulina, which is harvested from a hydroponic system. In the mean time, we will track 13C10 labeled vitamin A in humans. In this way we will determine absorption of ß-carotene from spirulina matrix and the conversion of the spirulina ß-Carotene to retinol. This will enable us quantitatively determine the vitamin A equivalence of spirulina. The specific aims of this study are: To determine labeled ß-C blood response kinetics following an acute dose of intrinsically labeled spirulina; To determine labeled retinol blood response from the intrinsically labeled spirulina; To determine 13C10 retinol blood response from the isotope reference material 13C10 retinyl acetate; To determine s spirulina-vitamin A equivalence.

Official Title
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Vitamin A Value of Spirulina Carotenoids in Humans

Conditions
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Intrinsically Labeled Spirulina

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: spirulina ß-carotene
* Dietary Supplement: spirulina ß-carotene


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy volunteer Exclusion Criteria: Not has GI track problems Any medical condition that will affect the intestinal absorption

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 40 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: 1<br> | Dietary Supplement: spirulina ß-carotene<br>* an acute dose of spirulina up to 5 g<br>* Other names: spirulina VA study;Dietary Supplement: spirulina ß-carotene<br>* vitamin A value of spirulina ß-carotene<br>* Other names: spirulina VA study;|
| Experimental: 2<br> | Dietary Supplement: spirulina ß-carotene<br>* an acute dose of spirulina up to 5 g<br>* Other names: spirulina VA study;Dietary Supplement: spirulina ß-carotene<br>* vitamin A value of spirulina ß-carotene<br>* Other names: spirulina VA study;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The enrichment of spirulina ß-carotene and its cleavage product vitamin A were tracked after taken the oral dose of intrinsically labeled spirulina. |  | 51 days | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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spirulina, carotenoids