A plant extract and microalgae supplement called LB-LIVERprotect reduced liver damage by approximately 3.4 times in young fish fed plant-based diets during a two-week fasting period, according to a 2026 research study. The supplement improved the fish’s ability to break down stored fat for energy and protected liver cells from stress-related damage, suggesting that targeted plant-based supplements may support metabolic health during food deprivation.
Researchers tested a special plant-based supplement on young fish to see if it could help them stay healthy when food runs out. The fish that received the supplement had better fat metabolism and showed less liver damage during a two-week fasting period compared to fish on a regular plant-based diet. According to Gram Research analysis, the supplement boosted the fish’s ability to break down stored fat for energy and protected their livers from stress-related damage. This finding suggests that adding specific plant extracts and algae to fish feed could improve their survival during food shortages, which is important for fish farming.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research study found that fish supplemented with LB-LIVERprotect showed approximately 3.4-fold lower liver damage markers (ALT activity) compared to fish on unsupplemented plant-based diets during a 14-day fasting period.
According to research reviewed by Gram, the plant extract and microalgae supplement increased the omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio in fish mesenteric fat and upregulated genes responsible for fat breakdown (lpl, hl, atgl, and hsl) during feed deprivation.
A 2026 study in juvenile sea bream demonstrated that LB-LIVERprotect supplementation partially reduced elevated cortisol stress hormone levels and preserved hepatic energy reserves compared to unsupplemented plant-based feed groups during fasting.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a plant extract and algae-based supplement could help young fish maintain better health and energy when they weren’t fed for two weeks
- Who participated: Juvenile Sparus aurata (sea bream fish) raised in controlled conditions and fed different experimental diets for 90 days, then fasted for 14 days
- Key finding: Fish receiving the supplement showed approximately 3.4 times lower liver damage markers during fasting and better ability to use stored fat for energy compared to fish on a plant-based diet without the supplement
- What it means for you: While this research focuses on farmed fish, the findings suggest that plant-based supplements containing specific extracts and microalgae may help protect liver health and support energy metabolism during periods without food. However, these results are specific to fish and would need separate human studies before applying to people.
The Research Details
Scientists divided young fish into three groups and fed them different diets for 90 days. The first group ate a standard commercial fish feed with fish meal and fish oil. The second group ate a plant-based diet with very little fish ingredients. The third group ate the same plant-based diet but with an added 1% supplement made from plant extracts and microalgae called LB-LIVERprotect. After 90 days of feeding, all fish were then starved for 14 days to simulate food shortage conditions. Researchers measured changes in the fish’s fat composition, liver function, gene activity, and stress hormones throughout the study.
This research design is important because it tests whether a supplement can help fish survive real-world challenges like food shortages. By measuring multiple markers of health—including fat breakdown, liver protection, and stress hormones—the researchers could see exactly how the supplement worked. The fasting period was crucial because it revealed whether the supplement’s benefits actually helped when fish needed to survive on stored energy.
This study used controlled laboratory conditions with specific measurements of gene expression and blood markers, which provides reliable data. The researchers measured multiple health indicators rather than just one outcome, making the findings more robust. However, the study was conducted only in fish, so results cannot be directly applied to humans without additional research. The specific sample size was not provided in the available information.
What the Results Show
Fish that received the supplement showed significant improvements in how their bodies handled fat. Their mesenteric fat (fat stored in the belly area) had better composition of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, and a better ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fats. During the fasting period, these fish activated genes that break down stored fat more efficiently, allowing them to access energy reserves when food wasn’t available.
Most importantly, the supplement protected the fish’s livers during starvation. Fish in the supplement group had approximately 3.4 times lower levels of ALT, a liver enzyme that indicates damage, compared to fish on the plant-based diet without the supplement. The supplement-fed fish also maintained better energy reserves in their livers and showed less shrinkage of liver cells, suggesting their livers stayed healthier under stress.
The supplement also reduced stress responses during fasting. Fish receiving the supplement had lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) compared to the plant-based diet group, indicating they experienced less physiological stress during the food deprivation period. This combination of better fat metabolism, liver protection, and reduced stress suggests the supplement helped fish survive the challenging fasting period more effectively.
Fish receiving the supplement had a higher mesenteric index, meaning they stored more fat in their belly area, which provided more energy reserves for the fasting period. The supplement also increased the activity of genes responsible for making and breaking down fats (fads2, scd1a, lpl, hl, atgl, and hsl), showing that the supplement enhanced the fish’s natural fat-handling abilities. After fasting ended, the fish that received the supplement showed signs of active fat mobilization, meaning they efficiently used their stored fat reserves for energy.
This research builds on previous studies showing that plant-based fish feeds can sometimes cause problems with fat metabolism and liver health. The new finding that a specific plant extract and microalgae supplement can counteract these problems is significant. The supplement appears to work by enhancing the fish’s natural ability to process plant-based ingredients and maintain liver function, rather than replacing fish-based ingredients entirely. This suggests that supplementation strategies could make plant-based aquaculture more sustainable.
This study was conducted only in fish, so the results cannot be directly applied to humans or other animals without additional research. The exact sample size of fish used was not specified in the available information. The study only tested one specific supplement formulation, so it’s unclear whether other plant extract and algae combinations would produce similar results. The research was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions, which may not perfectly reflect real-world fish farming environments. Additionally, the study did not measure long-term effects beyond the 14-day fasting period.
The Bottom Line
For fish farming: Fish farmers may consider supplementing plant-based feeds with LB-LIVERprotect or similar plant extract and microalgae products to improve fish survival during food shortages and reduce liver stress. The evidence is strong for this specific supplement in this fish species. For humans: These findings are preliminary and specific to fish. Do not attempt to apply these results to human nutrition without consulting a healthcare provider, as human studies would be needed to establish safety and effectiveness.
Fish farmers and aquaculture professionals should care about these findings, as they could improve fish health and reduce losses during feeding disruptions. Researchers studying plant-based animal feeds and sustainable aquaculture should find this relevant. People interested in sustainable food production may appreciate the implications for reducing reliance on fish meal in aquaculture. This research is NOT directly applicable to human dietary choices without further study.
In the fish studied, benefits appeared within the 90-day feeding period and became most evident during the 14-day fasting challenge. If similar supplements were developed for human use, it would take years of clinical trials to determine how quickly benefits would appear and whether they would be sustained long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this fish supplement help humans survive without food better?
This research was conducted only in fish and cannot be directly applied to humans without separate clinical studies. While the supplement protected fish liver health during fasting, human trials would be needed to determine if similar benefits occur in people.
What exactly is in the LB-LIVERprotect supplement?
The supplement contains plant extracts and microalgae, though the specific ingredients and their proportions were not detailed in this research. It was added at 1% of the fish feed to improve fat metabolism and liver protection.
How long did it take for the supplement to show benefits in the fish?
Fish received the supplement for 90 days before the fasting challenge began. The most significant benefits appeared during the 14-day fasting period, suggesting the supplement needed time to build up effects in the fish’s system.
Would this supplement help fish farms save money?
Potentially yes. By improving fish survival during food shortages and reducing liver damage, the supplement could reduce losses in aquaculture operations. However, the cost-benefit analysis would depend on the supplement’s price and local farming conditions.
Is this supplement safe for all types of fish?
This study only tested juvenile sea bream (Sparus aurata). The supplement’s safety and effectiveness in other fish species remains unknown and would require additional research before use in different aquaculture systems.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Users interested in plant-based nutrition could track their liver health markers (if available through blood work) and energy levels during periods of intermittent fasting or calorie restriction, noting any changes in fatigue, digestion, or overall wellness
- For users exploring plant-based diets, the app could suggest adding microalgae-derived supplements (like spirulina or chlorella) and plant extracts known to support fat metabolism and liver health, with reminders to monitor how they feel during fasting periods
- Track energy levels, digestive comfort, and any available biomarkers (liver enzymes from blood work) over 90 days when using plant-based supplements, noting changes during periods of reduced food intake or intermittent fasting
This research was conducted in juvenile fish (sea bream) and cannot be directly applied to human health or nutrition without separate clinical studies. The findings are specific to the LB-LIVERprotect supplement tested in this controlled laboratory setting. Anyone considering supplements for human use should consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Fish farming applications should be evaluated by aquaculture professionals familiar with local regulations and farming conditions.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.