PhD defence: Seaweed bioactivity: Effects on glucose liberation

Nazikussabah Zaharudin

PhD thesis

Seaweeds are consumed in many countries and are also part of folk medicine. Among the possible actions are effects on carbohydrate digestion and appetite.

In this PhD study several species of seaweeds were tested for content of inhibitors of starch degradation. Several species contained mixed-type inhibitors of starch degrading enzymes and some of these inhibitors were identified.

Two seaweed species were selected for a human challenge study and were provided at a 5g dose together with corn starch. Effects on postprandial appetite and insulin levels were observed indicating future potential in functional foods.

2017, 155 pages.

Time

18 December 2017,  08:30

Place

Auditorium A1-01.01, Festauditoriet, Bülowsvej 17, Frederiksberg.

Opponents 

Associate Professor Thomas Meinert Larsen (chair), Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Principal Research Officer Catherine Stanton, APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Ireland.

Adjunct Professor Kaj Winther, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Supervisor

Professor Lars Ove Dragsted, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Co-supervisor

Professor Dan Stærk, Faculty of Health and Medicinal Sciences, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen.