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Cited by 143Seaweed-derived Bioactive CompoundsNutrition and Health StudiesNutrition and Health in Aging

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 42 of the 43 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

The effects of Spirulina on anemia and immune function in senior citizens

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Selmi, Carlo, Leung, Patrick SC, Fischer, Laura, German, Bruce, Yang, Chen-Yen, Kenny, Thomas P, Cysewski, Gerry R, Gershwin, M Eric·2011·Cellular & Molecular Immunology
DOI 10.1038/cmi.2010.76PMC PMC4012879
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Abstract

Anemia and immunological dysfunction (i.e. immunosenescence) are commonly found in older subjects and nutritional approaches are sought to counteract these phenomena. Spirulina is a filamentous and multicellular bule-green alga capable of reducing inflammation and also manifesting antioxidant effects. We hypothesized that Spirulina may ameliorate anemia and immunosenescence in senior citizens with a history of anemia. We enrolled 40 volunteers of both sexes with an age of 50 years or older who had no history of major chronic diseases. Participants took a Spirulina supplementation for 12 weeks and were administered comprehensive dietary questionnaires to determine their nutritional regimen during the study. Complete cell count (CCC) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme activity, as a sign of immune function, were determined at baseline and weeks 6 and 12 of supplementation. Thirty study participants completed the entire study and the data obtained were analyzed. Over the 12-week study period, there was a steady increase in average values of mean corpuscular hemoglobin in subjects of both sexes. In addition, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration also increased in male participants. Older women appeared to benefit more rapidly from Spirulina supplements. Similarly, the majority of subjects manifested increased IDO activity and white blood cell count at 6 and 12 weeks of Spirulina supplementation. Spirulina may ameliorate anemia and immunosenescence in older subjects. We encourage large human studies to determine whether this safe supplement could prove beneficial in randomized clinical trials.

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Metadata

Authors
Selmi, C., Leung, P. S., Fischer, L., German, B., Yang, C.-Y., Kenny, T. P., Cysewski, G. R., & Gershwin, M. E.
Affiliations
University of California, Davis (US)
Corresponding author
Gershwin, M Eric
ORCID
Venue
Cellular & Molecular Immunology
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2011-01-31
Volume
8
Issue
3
Pages
248-254
ISSN
  • 1672-7681 (ISSN-L)
  • 2042-0226
DOI
10.1038/cmi.2010.76
PMC
PMC4012879
OpenAlex
W2014151324
Cited by
143
References
43
Citations by year
2026: 9 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 22 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 13 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 4
FWCI
9.21
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Cellular and Molecular Immunology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Nutrition and Health Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology (medical) › Nutrition and Health in Aging
Keywords
Spirulina, anemia, immunosenescence, older adults, dietary supplementation, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, immune function, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, white blood cell count, sex differences, dietary intervention
MeSH terms
Age Factors, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Anemia, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Antioxidants, Hemoglobins, Humans, Immunity, Male, Middle Aged, Dietary Supplements, Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase, Spirulina

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