The effect of Spirulina sauce, as a functional food, on cardiometabolic risk factors, oxidative stress biomarkers, glycemic profile, and liver enzymes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients: A randomized double-blinded clinical trial

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Improved Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Characteristics and Microbiota and Did Not Affect Organ Fibrosis Induced by a Fructose-Enriched Diet in Wistar Male Rats

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is reported to play a role in improving nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and intestinal microbiota (IM). To study spirulina's effects in the improvement of NAFLD characteristics, IM, and pancreatic-renal lesions induced by a fructose-enriched diet, 40 Wistar healthy male rats, weighing 200-250 g, were randomly divided into four groups of 10, and each rat per group was assigned a diet of equal quantities (20 g/day) for 18 weeks. The first control group (CT) was fed a standardized diet, the second group received a 40% fructose-enriched diet (HFr), and the third (HFr-S5) and fourth groups (HFr-S10) were assigned the same diet composition as the second group but enriched with 5% and 10% spirulina, respectively. At week 18, the HFr-S10 group maintained its level of serum triglycerides and had the lowest liver fat between the groups. At the phylae and family level, and for the same period, the HFr-S10 group had the lowest increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and the Ruminococcaceae and the highest fecal alpha diversity compared to all other groups (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that at a 10% concentration, spirulina could be used in nutritional intervention to improve IM, fatty liver, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters associated with NAFLD.

Beneficial Effects of Spirulina Supplementation in the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases

In recent decades, as a result of rising mortality rates due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), there has been a growing urgency to find alternative approaches to conventional pharmaceutical treatment to prevent the onset of chronic diseases. Arthrospira platensis, commonly known as Spirulina, is a blue-green cyanobacterium, classified as a "superfood", used worldwide as a nutraceutical food supplement due to its remarkable nutritional value, lack of toxicity, and therapeutic effects. Several scientific studies have evaluated the cardioprotective role of Spirulina. This article presents a comprehensive review of the therapeutic benefits of Spirulina in improving cardio- and cerebrovascular health. It focuses on the latest experimental and clinical findings to evaluate its antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic properties. The objective is to highlight its potential in preventing and managing risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The effect of spirulina sauce on glycemic index, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized double-blind clinical trial

We aimed to evaluate the effect of spirulina sauce on glycemic indices, lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, and anthropometric measurement in type 2 diabetic patients. Forty patients were randomly assigned to receive 20 g/day spirulina sauce (containing 2 g of spirulina) or placebo for 2 months. Anthropometric and biochemical indices were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention. Fasting blood glucose (mean difference (MD): -15.3 mg/dL, 95% confidence (CI): -44.2 to 13.60, p = .26), HbA1c (MD: 0.13%, 95% CI: -0.83 to 0.57, p = .75), insulin (MD: -1.46 μIU/mL, 95% CI: -4.0 to 1.09, p = .28), and HOMA-IR (MD: -0.35, 95% CI: -2.0 to 1.32, p = .68) did not change significantly between groups. QUICKI increased significantly (MD: 0.025, 95% CI: 0.006 to 0.045, p = .03). Among the lipid profile, triglyceride (TG) (MD: -68.6 mg/dL, 95% CI: -107.21 to -29.98, p < .001), total cholesterol (MD: -29.55 mg/dL, 95% CI: -55.28 to -3.81, p = .02), and LDL (MD: -17.7 mg/dL, 95% CI: -33.24 to -2.15, p = .01) were significantly decreased in the spirulina group compared to the control; whereas, the change in HDL was non-significant. No significant change was observed in body composition and anthropometric measurements, except waist circumference, which was reduced (MD: -2.65 cm, 95% CI: -3.91 to -1.38, p = .001). Hunger index significantly decreased and fullness increased marginally significantly. Although malondialdehyde was significantly reduced, no change was observed in total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Spirulina sauce was not effective for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes; however, could be useful for controlling appetite and ameliorating lipid profile.

Effect of a novel dietary supplement Khejri, and Spirulina supplementation on lipid profile in cricket players

Prosopis cineraria (Fabaceae) is known as Khejri in India or the golden tree of Indian deserts. It's potential as a dietary supplement in sports nutrition and its effect on regulating lipid profile has never been investigated. Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a superfood with high nutritional value and is a popular supplement among athletes. In the current study, Spirulina and Khejri were used as supplements by cricket players to improve their physical fitness and lipid profile. Both supplements were given to individual groups and in combination to see the combined effect. The intervention period was 21 days, and supplements were given in 500 mg doses daily. Lipid profile assessments were done before and after the intervention period. 40 cricket players were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 (n = 10): Both supplements, Spirulina and Khejri, Group 2 (n = 10): Supplement Spirulina, Group 3 (n = 10): Supplement Khejri, and Group 4 (n = 10): Control. When experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 were compared to the control group 4, significant reduction was observed in triglyceride levels (Group1 vs. control: 141.53 ± 14.74 vs. 199.28 ± 27.24, p < 0.05; Group 2 vs. control: 137.5 ± 14 vs. 199.28 ± 27.24, p < 0.05; Group 3 vs. control: 135.32 ± 17.34 vs. 199.28 ± 27.24, p < 0.05) and significant reduction in cholesterol levels was found post-intervention after 21 days of supplementation (Group1 vs. control: 149.75 ± 7.08 vs. 207.86 ± 11.69, p < 0.001; Group 2 vs. control: 178.28 ± 9.43 vs. 207.86 ± 11.69, p < 0.05; Group 3 vs. control: 142.92 ± 10.01 vs. 207.86 ± 11.69, p < 0.001). Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels were significantly decreased pre- vs. post-intervention by Khejri and Spirulina supplements in cricket players.

Short-Term Effects of Spirulina Consumption on Glycemic Responses and Blood Pressure in Healthy Young Adults: Results from Two Randomized Clinical Trials

The effects of spirulina consumption added in foods were investigated in two crossover clinical trials (n = 13 different healthy adults). In Trial-1 adults consumed cookies with-and-without spirulina (3.12 g per 100 g final product; 2.5 g spirulina per 50 g available carbohydrates) according to glycemic index (GI) methodology. In Trial-2, adults consumed 4 g, 6 g, and 8 g spirulina as beverage diluted in 50 g D-glucose vs. 50 g plain D-glucose. Capillary blood glucose samples were collected at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min and blood pressure (BP) was measured at beginning and end of each visit in both trials. Trial-1: both cookies with and without spirulina provided medium GI values (59 and 60, respectively, on glucose-scale), but no significant differences were found for BP. Trial-2: both 4 g and 8 g spirulina lowered postprandial glucose at 120 min (95% CI: -1.64 to -16.12 and -1.23 to -15.87, respectively). The results explained 29% of variation. Only 8 g spirulina decreased significantly 90-120 min area under the curve (AUC) for glucose and systolic BP (-4%). No differences were found for fasting glucose. Adding spirulina to cookies did not affect glucose responses and BP. Only 8 g provided significantly lower 90-120 min-AUC for glucose and BP compared to 4 g, 6 g-and-D-glucose, indicating advantages to glycemic control and hypertension.

Antioxidant Efficacy of a Spirulina Liquid Extract on Oxidative Stress Status and Metabolic Disturbances in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome

Lipid peroxidation is associated with the development of some pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases. Reduction in oxidative stress by antioxidants, such as Arthrospira (formely Spirulina), helps improving this redox imbalance. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the Arthrospira liquid extract “Spirulysat^®” on oxidative markers—in particular, oxidized LDL (oxLDL)/total LDL cholesterol—and isoprostanes and to investigate its impact on lipid and glucose metabolism in the metabolic syndrome subject. A controlled, randomised, double-blind design was conducted in 40 subjects aged 18 to 65 years with metabolic syndrome after a daily intake of Spirulysat^® or placebo for twelve weeks. Blood and urinary samples were collected at three visits (V1, V2, V3) in the two groups for parameters determination. Although the Spirulysat^® group showed a decrease at all visits of the oxLDL/total cholesterol ratio, there was no significant difference compared to the placebo (p = 0.36). The urinary isoprostanes concentration in the Spirulysat^® group was reduced (p = 0.014) at V3. Plasma triglycerides decreased at V3 (p = 0.003) and HDL-cholesterol increased (p = 0.031) at all visits with Spirulysat^®. In conclusion, Spirulysat^® did not change the oxidized LDL (oxLDL)/LDL ratio but decreased the urinary isoprostanes, plasma triglycerides and increased HDL cholesterol, suggesting a beneficial effect on metabolic syndrome.

Alternative protein sources of plant, algal, fungal and insect origins for dietary diversification in search of nutrition and health

This review aimed to compare alternative protein sources in terms of nutritional composition and health benefits with the purpose of disseminating up-to-date knowledge and contribute for diversification of the food marked and consumers decision-making. Plant-based is the most well-established category of alternative proteins, but there is still room for diversification. Less conventional species such as chia seeds are prominent sources of ω-3 (∼60% total lipids), while hempseed and quinoa are notable sources of ω-6 (up to 58% and 61%, respectively). Edible insects and microalgae are alternative foods rich in protein (up to 70%), fibers (∼30%), as well as peptides and polysaccharides with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, antidiabetic, antidepressant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities. Additionally, lipid contents in insect larvae can be as high as 50%, on a dry weight basis, containing fatty acids with anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. In contrast, edible fungi have low lipid contents (∼2%), but are rich in carbohydrates (up to 79%) and have balanced amino acid profiles. The results suggest that food formulations combining different alternative protein sources can meet dietary requirements. Further studies on flavoring and texturing processes will help to create meat and dairy analogs, thus helping to broaden acceptance and applicability of alternative protein sources.