Spirulina & Chlorella Complex
CLINICAL STUDIES ON THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS:
Spirulina
Spirulina Supplementation in Pregnant Women in the Dakar Region (Senegal)
Abstract
The fight against iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women is a public health priority, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Spirulina is an alga very rich in iron, used as a dietary supplement. This research proposes to study its effect on the hemogloblobinaemia of pregnant women. This was a blind randomized cohort study with a supplemented group of spirulina (1500 mg/d) and a second supplemented with iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS). Included in this study were pregnant women attending four health centers in the Dakar region, with pregnancy at 28th amenorrhea, agreeing to participate and not having complications or twin pregnancies. Follow-up of the two groups was identical throughout the study from the 28th week of amenorrhea to the 42nd postnatal day. The study was conducted among 920 women, evenly distributed among the groups. IFAS allowed a statistically significant increase in hemoglobinemia with an average gain of 0.3 g/dl between the 28th and 32nd weeks of amenorrhea (p = 0.022) and 0.2 g/dl between the 28th week and the delivery (p = 0.043). Spirulina supplementation showed statistically higher gains than those observed with IFAS. These gains were 0.48 g/dl between the 28th and 32nd weeks of amenorrhea and 0.36 g/dl between the 28th week and the delivery, with p values less than 0.001. Spirulina, more accessible to developing countries, is a good option to strengthen the arsenal of iron deficiency anemia control, and therefore maternal mortality.
Source: Niang, K. , Ndiaye, P. , Faye, A. , Tine, J. , Diongue, F. , Camara, M. , Leye, M. and Tal-Dia, A. (2017) Spirulina Supplementation in Pregnant Women in the Dakar Region (Senegal). Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 7, 147-154. doi: 10.4236/ojog.2017.71016.
The hypolipidaemic effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation in a Cretan population: a prospective study
Abstract
Background: Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a filamentous cyanobacterium used as a food supplement. The objective of the study was to determine the lipid-lowering effects of Spirulina in Cretan Greek dyslipidaemic patients, and to document its effectiveness as a possible alternative treatment for dyslipidaemia. Fifty-two adultCretan outpatients (32 men, 20 women), median age 47 (range, 37–61) years, with recently diagnosed dyslipidaemia, consumed orally 1 g Spirulina (Greek production) per day for 12 weeks. The full lipid profile was measured in fasting blood samples at the beginning and end of the study period. Anthropometric measurements including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, height, weight and body mass index were also recorded.
Results: At the end of the 3-month intervention period the mean levels of triglycerides, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total cholesterol, non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, and the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoproteincholesterol were significantly decreased: 16.3% (P < 0.0001), 10.1% (P < 0.0001), 8.9% (P < 0.0001), 10.8% (P < 0.0001) and 11.5% (P = 0.0006) respectively, whereas the mean high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were not significantly increased (3.5%). Blood pressure, weight and body mass index remained almost unchanged.
Conclusions: Spirulina supplementation at a dose of 1 g daily has powerful hypolipidaemic effects, especially on the triglyceride concentration in dyslipidaemic Cretan outpatients. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Source: Mazokopakis E. E., Starakis I. K., Papadomanolaki M. G., Mavroeidi N. G., Ganotakis E. S. The hypolipidaemic effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation in a Cretan population: a prospective study. 10 June 2013. Doi: 10.1002/jsfa.6261
Effect of Spirulina Intervention on Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Status, and Lipid Profile in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients
Abstract
Background and Objective: Oxidative stress is intimately associated with many diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Study objectives include a comparison of the oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and lipid profile between COPD patients and controls and evaluation of the effect of spirulina intervention on oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and lipid profile of COPD patients. Methods. 30 patients with COPD and 20 controls with no respiratory problems were selected. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria were served as the basis of COPD diagnosis. The serum content of malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxide, glutathione (GSH), vitamin C, cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) was measured. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) was also measured. Two different doses, (500 × 2) mg and (500 × 4) mg spirulina, were given to two groups, each of which comprises 15 COPD patients. Results. All targeted blood parameters have significant difference (P = 0.000) between COPD patients and controls except triglyceride (TG). Spirulina intake for 30 and 60 days at (500 × 2) mg dose has significantly reduced serum content of MDA, lipid hydroperoxide, and cholesterol (P = 0.000) while increasing GSH, Vit C level (P = 0.000), and the activity of SOD (P = 0.000) and GST (P = 0.038). At the same time, spirulina intake for 30 and 60 days at (500 × 4) mg dose has favorable significant effect (P = 0.000) on all targeted blood parameters except for HDL (P = 0.163).
Source: Md. Ismail, Md. Hossain F., Tanu A. R., Shekhar H. U. Effect of Spirulina Intervention on Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Status, and Lipid Profile in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients. 22 January 2015. Doi: 10.1155/2015/486120
Spirulina maxima improves insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and total antioxidant status in obese patients with well-treated hypertension: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study
Abstract
Objective: Spirulina maxima consumption is known to be associated with enhanced cardiovascular and metabolic health. Human studies on this topic have recently been described in a few papers; however, potential protective cardiovascular properties of Spirulina in obese patients receiving standard pharmacological antihypertensive treatment remain to be elucidated. Putative beneficial cardiovascular effects of Spirulina supplementation in well treated, obesity-related hypertension were studied in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Patients and methods: Total 50 obese subjects with treated hypertension, each randomized to receive 2 g of Spirulina or a placebo daily, for three months. At baseline and after treatment anthropometric parameters, plasma lipid levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress biomarkers along with insulin sensitivity estimated by euglycemic clamp were assessed.
Results: After three months of Spirulina supplementation significant decrease in body mass (p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI; p < 0.001) and waist circumference (WC; p = 0.002) were observed in Spirulina group. Spirulina had also significant, lowering effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; p < 0.001) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration (p = 0.002) in supplemented patients compared to placebo group. Spirulina supplementation considerably improved total antioxidant status (TAS; p = 0.001) and insulin sensitivity ratio (M; p < 0.001) in Spirulina group compared to placebo-treated individuals.
Conclusions: The favorable influence of Spirulina supplementation on insulin sensitivity, plasma lipid levels along with inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers reported in this study creates the promise for new therapeutic approaches in obese patients with well-treated hypertension.
Source: Szulinska M, Gibas-Dorna M, Miller-Kasprzak E, Suliburska J, Miczke A, Walczak-Gałezewska M, Stelmach-Mardas M, Walkowiak J, Bogdanski P. Spirulina maxima improves insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and total antioxidant status in obese patients with well-treated hypertension: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017 May;21(10):2473-2481. PMID: 28617537.
The effects of spirulina supplementation on serum iron and ferritin, anemia parameters, and fecal occult blood in adults with ulcerative colitis: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
Abstract
Background & aims: The present clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of spirulina administration on serum iron, ferritin, anemia parameters, and fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in adults with ulcerative colitis (UC).
Methods: Eighty participants with UC were randomly assigned to take, either 1 g/day (two 500 mg capsules) spirulina (n = 40) or placebo (n = 40) in a double-blinded clinical trial for eight weeks. Dietary intake, physical activity status, serum iron and ferritin levels, anemia parameters, and FOBT were assessed in each participant at baseline and following the intervention. Seventy-three participants completed the trial.
Results: Our results indicated significantly increased (p = 0.04) serum iron after eight weeks of spirulina supplementation compared to the placebo group. The spirulina group also demonstrated significantly increased mean corpuscular volume (p = 0.004) whereas red blood cell count (p = 0.01) and hematocrit (p = 0.03) were significantly lowered in the placebo group. No significant changes in FOBT outcomes were seen between groups at baseline (p = 0.12) and the end of the trial (p = 0.34). Eight weeks of 1 g/day spirulina supplementation improved anemia parameters in adults with UC compared to placebo.
Conclusions: These outcomes suggest that spirulina administration may be beneficial in the management of anemia in UC. Further clinical trials of longer duration are necessary to corroborate and expand our findings. Registered at: http://www.IRCT.ir (code: IRCT20170802035460N3).
Source: Moradi S., Foshati S., Poorbaferani F., Talebi S., Bagheri R., Amirian P. Parvizi F., Nordvall M., Wong A. Zobeiri M. The effects of spirulina supplementation on serum iron and ferritin, anemia parameters, and fecal occult blood in adults with ulcerative colitis: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial (2023), Doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.08.019
Effects of spirulina on weight loss and blood lipids: a review
Abstract
Spirulina, a cyanobacteria commonly referred to as a blue-green algae, is one of the oldest lifeforms on Earth. Spirulina grows in both fresh and saltwater sources and is known for its high protein and micronutrient content. This review paper will cover the effects of spirulina on weight loss and blood lipids. The currently literature supports the benefits of spirulina for reducing body fat, waist circumference, body mass index and appetite and shows that spirulina has significant benefits for improving blood lipids.
Source: DiNicolantonio JJ, Bhat AG, OKeefe J. Effects of spirulina on weight loss and blood lipids: a review. Open Heart. 2020 Mar 8;7(1):e001003. doi: 10.1136/openhrt-2018-001003. PMID: 32201580; PMCID: PMC7061888.
Impact of Spirulina Supplementation on Obesity, Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Aims: This systematic review evaluates how Spirulina supplementation impacts human metabolic syndrome. This review encompasses a broad spectrum of Spirulina supplementation studies, including variations in dosage, trial duration, participants, and the subsequent effects on human metabolic syndrome.
Methods: The method involves searching for articles from the Scopus and PubMed databases (up to 2023) to identify relevant studies on Spirulina supplementation. The journal database related to the study was examined using the systematic review approach.
Results: Out of 527 articles related to Spirulina supplementation, 13 articles were determined to be suitable for human clinical studies. The treatment is performed at 20 mg to 6 g within 17-360 days. Spirulina contains macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for health, as well as several bioactives that play a role in improving metabolic syndrome. This seaweed pigment can reduce obesity, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Its tripeptides lower blood pressure while gamma linoleic acid and glycolipids improve lipid profile. The findings show that Spirulina supplementation improves human metabolic syndrome. It included obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia.
Conclusion: Spirulina supplementation in humans has a positive effect on metabolic syndrome. It is due to phycocyanin, L-isoleucyl-L-glutaminyl-L-proline (Ile-Gln-Pro), gamma-linolenic acid, and the glycolipid H-b2. However, the form of use, dosage, and treatment should be further researched to determine the right amount for each metabolic syndrome problem.
Source: Firdaus M, Priambodo AF. Impact of Spirulina Supplementation on Obesity, Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review. Scientifica (Cairo). 2025 Mar 27;2025:6637793. doi: 10.1155/sci5/6637793. PMID: 40182955; PMCID: PMC11968159.
Effects of Spirulina supplementation on obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Abstract
Objective: Evidence has suggested that Spirulina supplementation may affect anthropometric indices. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to summarize published randomized clinical trials which assess the effect of Spirulina supplementation on obesity.
Setting: Pertinent studies were identified using Embase, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane library databases up to May 2019. Mean Differences (MD) were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were reported using standard methods.
Results: Results of 5 studies (7 treatment arms) showed a significant reduction in weight (MD: -1.56 Kg, 95% CI: -1.98 to -1.14) after Spirulina supplementation. Subgroup analysis based on health status revealed that weight change in obese subjects (MD: -2.06 Kg, 95% CI: -2.45 to -1.68) was greater than overweight participants (MD: -1.28 Kg, 95% CI: -1.62 to -0.93) following Spirulina supplementation. Also, pooled analysis showed that Spirulina supplementation led to a significant reduction in body fat percent (MD: -1.02, 95% CI: -1.49 to -0.54) and waist circumference (MD: -1.40, 95% CI: -1.40 to -1.39), but not in body mass index and waist to hip ratio.
Conclusion: Spirulina supplementation significantly reduces body weight, especially in obese individuals.
Source: Moradi S., Ziaei R., Foshati S., Mohammadi H., Nachvak S.M., Rouhani M. H. Effects of Spirulina supplementation on obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Volume 47, 2019, 102211, ISSN 0965-2299. Doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102211.
Chlorella
Potential of Chlorella as a Dietary Supplement to Promote Human Health
Abstract
Chlorella is a green unicellular alga that is commercially produced and distributed worldwide as a dietary supplement. Chlorella products contain numerous nutrients and vitamins, including D and B12, that are absent in plant-derived food sources. Chlorella contains larger amounts of folate and iron than other plant-derived foods. Chlorella supplementation to mammals, including humans, has been reported to exhibit various pharmacological activities, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antihyperlipidemic activities. Meta-analysis on the effects of Chlorella supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors have suggested that it improves total cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels but not triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. These beneficial effects of Chlorella might be due to synergism between multiple nutrient and antioxidant compounds. However, information regarding the bioactive compounds in Chlorella is limited.
Source: Bito T, Okumura E, Fujishima M, Watanabe F. Potential of Chlorella as a Dietary Supplement to Promote Human Health. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 20;12(9):2524. doi: 10.3390/nu12092524. PMID: 32825362; PMCID: PMC7551956.
References:
- https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=73643
- https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.6261
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2015/486120
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28617537/
- https://www.clinicalnutritionespen.com/article/S2405-4577%2823%2901215-9/abstract
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7061888/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40182955/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229919311367
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31780031/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7551956/