A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Establish the Effects of Spirulina in Elderly Koreans
Abstract
Aims: This study was conducted to determine the antioxidant capacity, immunomodulatory and lipid-lowering effects of spirulina in healthy elderly subjects and to document the effectiveness of spirulina as a functional food for the elderly. Methods: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed. The subjects were 78 individuals aged 60–87 years and were randomly assigned in a blinded fashion to receive either spirulina or placebo. The elderly were instructed to consume the spirulina or placebo at home, 8 g/day, for 16 consecutive weeks. Results: In male subjects, a significant plasma cholesterol-lowering effect was observed after the spirulina intervention (p < 0.05). Spirulina supplementation resulted in a significant rise in plasma interleukin (IL)-2 concentration, and a significant reduction in IL-6 concentration. A significant time-by-treatment intervention for total antioxidant status was observed between spirulina and placebo groups (p < 0.05). In female subjects, significant increases in IL-2 level and superoxide dismutase activity were observed (p < 0.05) after spirulina supplementation. There were significant reductions in total cholesterol in female subjects. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that spirulina has favorable effects on lipid profiles, immune variables, and antioxidant capacity in healthy, elderly male and female subjects and is suitable as a functional food.
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The antioxidant effect of Spirulina is confirmed by intervention studies.
“Although the antioxidant effect of Spirulina is confirmed by the intervention studies”
From Antioxidant, Immunomodulating, and Microbial‐Modulating Activities of the Sustainable and Ecofriendly <i>Spirulina</i> (2017) · cites this paper as [99]
The effects of Spirulina on cytokines and on lymphocytes' proliferation depend on age, gender, and body weight differences.
“The effects on cytokines and on lymphocytes' proliferation depend on age, gender, and body weight differences.”
From Antioxidant, Immunomodulating, and Microbial‐Modulating Activities of the Sustainable and Ecofriendly <i>Spirulina</i> (2017) · cites this paper as [99]
Spirulina supplementation had favorable effects on lipid profiles, immune functions, and antioxidant capacity in healthy Korean elderly in a previous study.
“We have already reported on the effect of spirulina for lipid lowering, immune response, and antioxidant capacity in Korean elderly [14].”
From The influence of obesity on the effects of spirulina supplementation in the human metabolic response of Korean elderly (2016) · cites this paper as [14]
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- Authors
- Park, H. J., Lee, Y. J., Ryu, H. K., Kim, M. H., Chung, H. W., & Kim, W. Y.
- Affiliations
- CJ CheilJedang (South Korea) (KR)
- Ewha Womans University (KR)
- Kyungpook National University (KR)
- Venue
- Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism
- Publisher
- S. Karger AG
- Published
- 2008
- Volume
- 52
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 322-328
- ISSN
- 0250-6807 (ISSN-L)
- 1421-9697
- OpenAlex
- W2055269050
- Cited by
- 154
- References
- 31
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 19 · 2020: 16 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 10 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 9 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 2
- FWCI
- 7.01
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Ewha Womans University
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds
- Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Food Science and Nutritional Studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Biochemistry › Antioxidant Activity and Oxidative Stress
- Keywords
- Spirulina, older adults, functional foods, antioxidant capacity, total antioxidant status, superoxide dismutase, interleukin-2, interleukin-6, immunomodulation, hypolipidemic effect, serum cholesterol, dietary supplementation
- MeSH terms
- Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Anticholesteremic Agents, Antioxidants, Double-Blind Method, Female, Humans, Hypercholesterolemia, Interleukin-2, Korea, Male, Middle Aged, Sex Factors, Interleukin-6, Dietary Supplements, Spirulina, Food, Organic
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