Bioactivity of Carrageenans in Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Diseases

The high incidence of changes in the lipid profile in the world population is supported by the adoption of a lifestyle with numerous risk factors. Dyslipidemia, the main alteration in the lipid profile, is characterized by increased concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and decreased concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). These modifications in lipid metabolism are particularities of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), one of the main causes of death in the world. Macroalgae have a high percentage of dietary fiber, and a low percentage of lipids. Carrageenans, long-chain polysaccharides extracted from red macroalgae, are present in several foods, such as jelly. Chemically, they present several structures with different applications and purposes in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. The bioactive potential of carrageenans has demonstrated potential in the reduction of the levels of parameters of the lipid profile, being able to be an alternative in the reversion of MetS and, consequently, in the prevention and treatment of CVD. This review article aims to compile, evaluate, and reflect on the effect of carrageenans on lipid profile markers (TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C), relating them to MetS and CVD.