The Effect of Blue-Green Algae Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae on Nutrient Assimilation in Rats

Blue-green algae Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), rich in protein, vitamins, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, are used as food supplements. We studied the effect of varying concentrations (0.05-0.4%) of AFA on growth, feed consumption, and nutrient digestion in rats. A diet supplemented with 0.05% algae (equivalent to human daily consumption) had a stimulatory effect on weight gain and feed consumption (p<0.05). Animals fed diets supplemented with AFA in different concentrations also demonstrated statistically significant changes in weight of viscera and increase in protein level in the liver and small intestinal mucosa. AFA in the diet did not affect pancreatic trypsin and intestinal sucrase and maltase activity, but was associated with increased pancreatic α-amylase (p<0.05; 0.2% AFA supplement), and decreased intestinal aminopeptidase N activity (p<0.025; 0.05% and 0.1% AFA supplement). Low concentrations of AFA in the diet are associated with increased growth.