Spirulina: A natural solution to weight loss and heart health, new research finds

23 Jan 2024 --- The health benefits of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation have been more closely assessed for its effects on cardiometabolic disease by researchers from Qatar University. The effect of spirulina supplementation on body weight parameters has been explored in multiple clinical trials.

The researchers found that this blue-green alga, or filamentous cyanobacterium originating from lagoons in Latin America and Africa, effectively reduces body weight, body mass index and waist circumference, with a potential dose-dependent effect. 

Nutrients such as phycocyanin, gamma-linolenic acid and vitamin B12 in the spirulina contribute to its cardiometabolic benefits. It decreases interleukin 6, an important biomarker of body inflammation, by restricting the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase enzyme and lowering insulin resistance. 

According to the report, spirulina is gaining attention for its unique chemical and nutritional composition. It has been recommended as a food supplement by NASA and the European Space Agency for long-term space trips. The algae is valued as a low-cost nutritional supplement with no side effects.

Revisiting ancient remedies
Spirulina has been used in nutrition for a long time because it is high in protein, is easy to digest and has a balanced amino acid profile. It contains vitamins, carotenoids, minerals, essential fatty acids and polysaccharides. The most significant wave of spirulina popularity occurred in the 1960s and 70s when scientists explored microalgae cultivation as a source of single-cell protein. 

Today, spirulina is emerging “as a promising dietary intervention in addressing cardiometabolic risk factors.” Multiple clinical trials showed consistent benefits in reducing body weight, enhancing lipid profiles and improving inflammation markers and glucose metabolism. 

The researchers scoured scientific databases such as Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed (Medline) and SCOPUS for research papers published until August 2023. The findings were published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements.

The phycocyanin, gamma-linolenic acid, B vitamins and antioxidants in spirulina are responsible for the positive outcomes. Supplementation reduced triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Additionally, spirulina reduced fasting blood sugar and post-prandial blood sugar and improved insulin sensitivity.

Honing in on the resveratrol and quercetin
The amount of phycocyanin in spirulina directly correlates to its antioxidant action, while resveratrol and quercetin were found to be cardioprotective through several inflammatory pathways. Spirulina has antiviral, antitumor, anti-diabetic and antioxidant effects. 

Cardiometabolic diseases include diseases of the heart such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, myocardial infarction, diseases of disrupted glucose metabolism such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.Spirulina is being studied as a supplement to alleviate cardiometabolic conditions. 

Spirulina is highly absorbable in the body and efficiently restores deficient levels of nutrients to its physiological levels, making for an effective approach. Furthermore, spirulina consumption improves insulin sensitivity and satiety, lowering food consumption and reducing body weight.

The current research aimed to review spirulina’s effects on cardiometabolic disease risk factors such as excess body weight, disrupted glucose metabolism, the atherogenic blood lipid profile and elevated blood pressure.

However, more long-term randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the optimal use of spirulina as a nutritional supplement for cardiometabolic purposes. The evidence is heterogeneous for spirulina dosage, intervention duration and patient disease status and requires further investigation.

Meanwhile, natural ingredients supplier Robertet collaborated with Fleur de Vie to combine spirulina with other proprietary ingredients and develop functional F&B and supplement solutions. The investment will also partner on future microalgae innovations.

In addition, microalgae are making waves for their highly nutritious content and status as a natural, plant-based and sustainable “superfood biomass.” But the industry still has a long way to go to bring these ingredients fully into mainstream human consumption, say industry stakeholders.

In addition, microalgae are making waves for their highly nutritious content and status as a natural, plant-based and sustainable “superfood biomass.” But the industry still has a long way to go to bring these ingredients fully into mainstream human consumption, say industry stakeholders.

By Inga de Jong