SBS is a clinical condition characterized by diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malabsorption, and progressive malnutrition related to a wide resection of the small intestine. The most important therapeutic objectives in the management of SBS are maintenance the patient's calorie intake and nutritional status. However, some enteral nutrition (EN) products use for energy supports in order to reduce total parenteral nutrition (TPN) demand. The new treatment modalities alternate the current ones are still under research with the experimental and clinical studies. Chlorella is a species of green algae that grows in fresh water. It has been consumed as a food source for centuries in mainly Japan and other Far East countries, besides, it's healing properties has enhanced it's consumption too. Several EN products have been used for SBS.
A research article to be published on July 28, 2008 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology addresses this question. The research team was led by Mustafa Kerem from Gazi University Experimental Surgery Center. In this original study, it has been seen that there's a positive effect of chlorella crude extract (CCE) on intestinal adaptation of rats which had undergone short bowel syndrome. Administration of CCE lead significant increase in intestinal villi height and villi width, intestinal protein and DNA amount, and serum citruline levels which is a sign of improved intestinal absorption. As being the first it's an important study. By this information algs which are easily found widely in salt and fresh waters and can be generated easily, can be used in clinical settings.
CCE has beneficial role in intestinal adaptation. It seems that it can be an alternative to the other commercial enteral and parenteral products.