Measurement of Acute Metabolite Changes Following Consumption of Microalgae Drinks

Inclusion Criteria:

• English-literate and able to give informed consent
• Singaporean Chinese Adults aged 21 to 60 (inclusive)
• Body mass index of 18.5 to 23.0 kg/m^2 (inclusive)
• Healthy (Based on results from screening session)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently participating in another clinical study that involves altering the regular diet and/or involves consuming a dietary supplement or investigated food product as an intervention
• High blood pressure (≥ 140/90 mmHg)
• Underlying health conditions that may affect metabolic functions
• Consuming amino acid or protein supplements, or protein drinks, regularly (i.e., more than three times a week) for the past 3 months, and not willing to discontinue usage 3 months before and during the study duration
• Weight change > 3 kg in the past 3 months
• Weight < 50 kg
• Exercising vigorously over the past 3 months (i.e., engaging in high-intensity exercises for more than 3 hours a week, where high-intensity exercises leave one out of breath and unable to talk or sing during the workout)
• Current smokers or have quit smoking for less than 5 years
• Drinking > 2 alcoholic drinks per day (i.e., one drink is defined as either 150 ml of wine, 340 ml of beer/cider or 45 ml of distilled spirit)
• If drinking ≤ 2 alcoholic drinks per day, not willing to stop consumption of alcoholic beverages two days before and on the day of the test visits
• Not willing to stop consumption of caffeinated beverages 10 to 12 houFrs before and on the day of the test visits
• Currently on a specialised diet (e.g., Halal, vegetarian, vegan, weight loss diet)
• Had serious food allergies in the past, or having intolerance, sensitivities or allergies to any of the following: seaweed or algae and their derived products, milk/dairy products (e.g., whey), starch/starch-derived products (e.g., rice, corn, wheat, potato), soy/soy-derived products, gluten, eggs, nuts, peanuts, fish and crustaceans
• Disease or impairment of the kidney and/or liver*
• Currently diagnosed with diabetes*, gastrointestinal issues (e.g., lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome), gout and/or G6PD deficiency
• Taking antibiotics 2 weeks prior to study participation
• Taking anti-hypertensive or cholesterol-lowering drugs for less than 3 years unless medically declared by an official doctor to be in stable condition
• Poor peripheral venous access based on past experiences with blood drawing
• Individuals with anemia and/or blood clotting disorders
• Donated blood within the 12 weeks prior to study participation
• Individuals with pacemaker or related electrical medical devices
• Pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy in the next 6 months