Health-promoting Effects of the Microalga Phaeodactylum Tricornutum - Bioavailability and Excretion of Nutrients in Relation to Age and Their Effects on Fatty Acid Status and Inflammatory Markers".

Due to a multifaceted redesign of all areas of life, older people face many nutritional challenges, such as cognitive change, sarcopenia and micronutrient deficiency. In addition to age-associated diseases, cognitive decline is usually a precursor to neurodegenerative processes, such as Alzheimer's disease. The full molecular mechanisms are still unknown, but classic aging mechanisms, such as oxidative stress and subclinical inflammation, play a role. Due to the changed life situation, there is a reduced need for energy, while the need for nutrients remains, which greatly increases the risk of malnutrition in old age. This results in an increasing prevalence of sarcopenia. The decrease in muscle mass and strength leads to functional limitations in the elderly and also promotes oxidative stress. This increases the need for antioxidant nutrients such as carotenoids and vitamins. Studies show that age-related chronic subclinical inflammation, such as occurs in the context of an omega-6 fatty acid (-FS) emphasized diet, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of age-associated diseases

Due to this, the microalgae PT could be a goud supplier of nutrients like omega-3 FS, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is otherwise found mainly in fatty fish, and Fucoxanthin, an antioxidant. The investigator study the change of omega-3, -6 and -9 FS in blood plasma, in erythrocytes, as well as the change of fucoxanthin and beta-carotene. The investigator measure blood parameters for safety and control the influence on the intestinal barrier.