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Novel peptide from red alga shows potential for blood glucose control

Hokkaido University (Japan), Oct 27 2026 (News-Medical)

It is a dietary staple found in sushi, rice wraps, and ramen toppings. Commonly known as nori in Japan and gim in Korea, red seaweed is especially popular across Asia. Research lhas discovered that digestion of a particular red alga releases a peptide, or a small fragment of protein, with potential benefits for blood glucose control and diabetes prevention. The study was published in Food Bioscience.

Researchers subjected this seaweed, known as dulse (Devaleraea inkyuleei), to an artificial digestion process in the laboratory, mimicking how it is digested in the human body. They found that a novel peptide called EVYR, made up of just four amino acids, is released during the process and could help regulate blood glucose levels.

When we eat, our blood glucose level rises, prompting the pancreas to release insulin. Several proteins and enzymes are involved in this process. EVYR works by inhibiting an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), which breaks down hormones that stimulate insulin release. By inhibiting this enzyme, EVYR helps maintain the activity of the hormones and allows them to stimulate insulin release for longer.

Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the team also found that other red algae could also potentially release EVYR during digestion, based on comparisons of protein sequences across different species and computer simulations.