Quantifying the effects of spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and blood pressure
Open accessAbstract
Purpose: Spirulina is generally used as a nutraceutical food supplement due to its nutrient profile, lack of toxicity, and therapeutic effects. Clinical trials have investigated the influence of spirulina on metabolic-related risk factors but have yielded conflicting results in humans. Here, we summarize the evidence of the effects of spirulina on serum lipid profile, glucose management, BP, and body weight by conducting a meta-analysis. Materials and methods: Relevant studies were retrieved by systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus databases, and reference lists of relevant original studies from inception to July 2018. Data were extracted following a standardized protocol. Two investigators independently extracted study characteristics, outcomes measures, and appraised methodological quality. Effect sizes were performed using a random-effects model, with weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% CIs between the means for the spirulina intervention and control arms. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the possible influences of study characteristics. Publication bias and sensitivity analysis were also performed. Results: A total of 1,868 records were identified of which 12 trials with 14 arms were eligible. The amount of spirulina ranged from 1 to 19 g/d, and intervention durations ranged from 2 to 48 weeks. Overall, data synthesis showed that spirulina supplements significantly lowered total cholesterol (WMD = –36.60 mg/dL; 95% CI: −51.87 to –21.33; P =0.0001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD = –33.16 mg/dL; 95% CI: −50.52 to –15.75; P =0.0002), triglycerides (WMD = –39.20 mg/dL; 95% CI: −52.71 to –25.69; P =0.0001), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD = –8.02 mg/dL; 95% CI: −8.77 to –7.26; P =0.0001), fasting blood glucose (WMD = –5.01 mg/dL; 95% CI: −9.78 to –0.24; P =0.04), and DBP (WMD = –7.17 mmHg; 95% CI: −8.57 to –5.78; P =0.001). These findings remained stable in the sensitivity analysis, and no obvious publication bias was detected. Conclusion: Our findings provide substantial evidence that spirulina supplementation has favorable effect on select cardiovascular and metabolic biomarkers in humans, including lipid, glucose, and DBP management. Keywords: blood pressure, body weight, blood glucose, CVD, lipid, spirulina
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TL;DR
This meta-analysis of 12 trials (14 arms, 807 participants) found that spirulina supplementation significantly lowered total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, vLDL-C, fasting blood glucose, and diastolic blood pressure, but not SBP, HbA1c, body weight, or BMI. The authors conclude spirulina may have favorable effects on select cardiovascular and metabolic biomarkers, though heterogeneity and study-quality limitations remain.
Key findings
- Spirulina significantly reduced total cholesterol (WMD = −36.60 mg/dL; 95% CI: −51.87 to −21.33; P=0.0001), LDL-C (WMD = −33.16 mg/dL; 95% CI: −50.52 to −15.75; P=0.0002), triglycerides (WMD = −39.20 mg/dL; 95% CI: −52.71 to −25.69; P=0.0001), and vLDL-C (WMD = −8.02 mg/dL; 95% CI: −8.77 to −7.26; P=0.0001).
- Fasting blood glucose decreased significantly (WMD = −5.01 mg/dL; 95% CI: −9.78 to −0.24; P=0.04), as did DBP (WMD = −7.17 mmHg; 95% CI: −8.57 to −5.78; P=0.001).
- No significant changes were found for SBP (WMD = −3.49 mmHg; 95% CI: −7.19 to 0.21; P=0.06), body weight (WMD = −1.51 kg; 95% CI: −3.39 to 0.36; P=0.11), BMI (WMD = −0.44 kg/m²; 95% CI: −1.87 to 0.99; P=0.54), or HbA1c (WMD = −0.34; 95% CI: −0.79 to 0.11; P=0.14). HDL-C was reported as not substantially changed (WMD = 5.81 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.10 to 11.51; P=0.05).
- Subgroup analyses showed significant lipid reductions with spirulina dose ≥2 g/d and intervention duration ≥12 weeks; no obvious publication bias was detected.
Methods
- Systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus from inception to July 1, 2018, plus reference lists; 1,868 records were identified, yielding 12 trials with 14 treatment arms and 807 participants.
- Eligible studies were human clinical trials using spirulina as the only intervention or with the same co-treatment in controls, with parallel or crossover design comparing spirulina with placebo or no treatment, and reporting metabolic risk factors.
- Random-effects meta-analysis calculated weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% CIs; heterogeneity was assessed with I², and subgroup, sensitivity (“leave one out”), and publication-bias analyses were performed.
Limitations
- The authors state they may not have identified all relevant articles, especially unpublished trials and gray literature; high heterogeneity remained despite subgroup and sensitivity analyses; reporting quality varied, with many trials lacking sufficient information on sequence generation, allocation concealment, and blinding; and confounding factors such as physical activity and other dietary interventions could not be considered.
- The authors also note that some results are inconclusive because the number of eligible trials was relatively small, and publication-bias tests were not performed for HbA1c, SBP, and DBP due to fewer than five studies.
- Evident from the text: the abstract reports intervention durations of 2 to 48 weeks, while the Results section states 2 to 24 weeks; all included trials were parallel-group, and the populations were heterogeneous (type 2 diabetes, HIV-infected, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and hyperlipidemic nephrotic syndrome).
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Claims the paper makes
0 of 6 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged
- Findingown data
In trials using no intervention as controls, spirulina supplementation significantly decreased LDL-C (WMD = −54.38 mg/dL; 95% CI: −80.57 to −28.19; P=0.0001).
“LDL-C (WMD = −54.38 mg/dL; 95% CI: −80.57 to −28.19; P=0.0001)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In the pooled analysis, spirulina supplementation significantly lowered diastolic blood pressure (WMD = −7.17 mmHg; 95% CI: −8.57 to −5.78; P=0.001).
“DBP (WMD = −7.17 mmHg; 95% CI: −8.57 to −5.78; P=0.001)”
- Also stated in: § Effect of spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and BP · plain
“consumption with spirulina showed a significant decrease in DBP (four treatment arms; WMD = −7.17 mmHg; 95% CI: −8.57 to −5.78; P=0.0001; I2=0%)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Effect of spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and BP · plain
- Findingreasoning
Spirulina was well-tolerated among the included trials.
“Among these trials, spirulina were well-tolerated.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
In subjects receiving spirulina supplementation ≥2 g/d, triglycerides were significantly decreased (WMD = −41.65 mg/dL; 95% CI: −63.18 to −20.12; P=0.0001).
“TG (WMD = −41.65 mg/dL; 95% CI: −63.18 to −20.12; P=0.0001)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In subjects receiving spirulina supplementation ≥2 g/d, LDL-C was significantly decreased (WMD = −37.62 mg/dL; 95% CI: −63.23 to −12.00; P=0.004).
“LDL-C (WMD = −37.62 mg/dL; 95% CI: −63.23 to −12.00; P=0.004)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- Findingown data
In the pooled analysis, spirulina supplementation significantly lowered total cholesterol (WMD = −36.60 mg/dL; 95% CI: −51.87 to −21.33; P=0.0001).
“Overall, data synthesis showed that spirulina supplements significantly lowered total cholesterol (WMD = −36.60 mg/dL; 95% CI: −51.87 to −21.33; P=0.0001)”
- Also stated in: § Effect of spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and BP · plain
“the pooled result showed that spirulina supplements significantly lower the TC (12 treatment arms; WMD = −36.60 mg/dL; 95% CI: −51.87 to −21.33; P=0.0001; I2=93%)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Effect of spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and BP · plain
- Findingown data
In trials using no intervention as controls, spirulina supplementation significantly decreased total cholesterol (WMD = −58.90 mg/dL; 95% CI: −82.53 to −35.28; P=0.0001).
“spirulina supplementation significantly decreased TC (WMD = −58.90 mg/dL; 95% CI: −82.53 to −35.28; P=0.0001)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In subjects receiving spirulina supplementation ≥2 g/d, total cholesterol was significantly decreased (WMD = −35.41 mg/dL; 95% CI: −51.43 to −19.39; P=0.0001).
“spirulina consumption significantly decreased the level of TC (WMD = −35.41 mg/dL; 95% CI: −51.43 to −19.39; P=0.0001)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In the pooled analysis, spirulina supplementation significantly lowered triglycerides (WMD = −39.20 mg/dL; 95% CI: −52.71 to −25.69; P=0.0001).
“triglycerides (WMD = −39.20 mg/dL; 95% CI: −52.71 to −25.69; P=0.0001)”
- Also stated in: § Effect of spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and BP · plain
“TG (12 treatment arms; WMD = −39.20 mg/dL; 95% CI: −52.71 to −25.69; P=0.0001; I2=73%)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Effect of spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and BP · plain
- Findingown data
Spirulina intervention may not significantly change HDL-C levels (WMD = 5.81 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.10 to 11.51; P=0.05; I2=94%).
“However, spirulina intervention may not significantly change the levels of HDL-C (11 treatment arms; WMD = 5.81 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.10 to 11.51; P=0.05; I2=94%).”
- Also stated in: § Discussion · plain
“the use of spirulina did not substantially affect HDL-C, SBP, HbA1c, body weight, and BMI values compared with those in the control group”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Discussion · plain
- Findingown data
In subjects with spirulina intervention ≥12 weeks, triglycerides were significantly reduced (WMD = −40.65 mg/dL; 95% CI: −55.82 to −25.49; P=0.0001).
“TG (WMD = −40.65 mg/dL; 95% CI: −55.82 to −25.49; P=0.0001)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In subjects with spirulina intervention ≥12 weeks, total cholesterol was significantly reduced (WMD = −38.88 mg/dL; 95% CI: −56.05 to −21.72; P=0.0001).
“subjects with spirulina intervention ≥12 weeks significantly reduced the concentrations of TC (WMD = −38.88 mg/dL; 95% CI: −56.05 to −21.72; P=0.0001)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Spirulina consumption did not significantly change body weight (WMD = −1.51 kg; 95% CI: −3.39 to 0.36; P=0.11; I2=0%).
“No significant changes were found for body weight (seven treatment arms; WMD = −1.51 kg; 95% CI: −3.39 to 0.36; P=0.11; I2=0%)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Spirulina consumption did not significantly change systolic blood pressure (WMD = −3.49 mmHg; 95% CI: −7.19 to 0.21; P=0.06; I2=50%).
“but not SBP (four treatment arms; WMD = −3.49 mmHg; 95% CI: −7.19 to 0.21; P=0.06; I2=50%)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In subjects with spirulina intervention ≥12 weeks, LDL-C was significantly reduced (WMD = −35.06 mg/dL; 95% CI: −54.30 to −15.82; P=0.0004).
“LDL-C (WMD = −35.06 mg/dL; 95% CI: −54.30 to −15.82; P=0.0004)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In the pooled analysis, spirulina supplementation significantly lowered very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD = −8.02 mg/dL; 95% CI: −8.77 to −7.26; P=0.0001).
“very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD = −8.02 mg/dL; 95% CI: −8.77 to −7.26; P=0.0001)”
- Also stated in: § Effect of spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and BP · plain
“vLDL-C (five treatment arms; WMD = −8.02 mg/dL; 95% CI: −8.77 to −7.26; P=0.0001; I2=0%)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Effect of spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and BP · plain
- Findingown data
Spirulina consumption did not significantly change BMI (WMD = −0.44 kg/m2; 95% CI: −1.87 to 0.99; P=0.54; I2=71%).
“BMI (five treatment arms; WMD = −0.44 (kg/m2); 95% CI: −1.87 to 0.99; P=0.54; I2=71%)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In trials using no intervention as controls, spirulina supplementation significantly decreased triglycerides (WMD = −54.58 mg/dL; 95% CI: −70.22 to −38.94; P=0.0001).
“TG (WMD = −54.58 mg/dL; 95% CI: −70.22 to −38.94; P=0.0001)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Spirulina consumption did not significantly change HbA1c (WMD = −0.34; 95% CI: −0.79 to 0.11; P=0.14; I2=78%).
“and HbA1c (three treatment arms; WMD = −0.34; 95% CI: −0.79 to 0.11; P=0.14; I2=78%) following spirulina supplementation”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In the pooled analysis, spirulina supplementation significantly lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD = −33.16 mg/dL; 95% CI: −50.52 to −15.75; P=0.0002).
“low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD = −33.16 mg/dL; 95% CI: −50.52 to −15.75; P=0.0002)”
- Also stated in: § Effect of spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and BP · plain
“LDL-C (11 treatment arms; WMD = −33.16 mg/dL; 95% CI: −50.52 to −15.75; P=0.0002; I2=96%)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Effect of spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and BP · plain
- Findingown data
In trials using placebo as controls, significant differences were found on total cholesterol concentrations (WMD = −12.74 mg/dL; 95% CI: −21.89 to −3.59; P=0.006).
“Significant differences were found on TC concentrations in trials that used placebo as controls (WMD = −12.74 mg/dL; 95% CI: −21.89 to −3.59; P=0.006).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
No serious adverse events occurred among most of the eligible trials during follow-up.
“no serious adverse events occurred among most of the eligible trials during the follow-up period”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
In trials using no intervention as controls, spirulina supplementation significantly increased HDL-C (WMD = 10.46 mg/dL; 95% CI: 1.73 to 19.19; P=0.02).
“and increased HDL-C (WMD = 10.46 mg/dL; 95% CI: 1.73 to 19.19; P=0.02) in trials used no intervention as controls”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
A total of 12 studies (equivalent to 14 treatment arms) with 807 participants were included in the meta-analysis.
“a total of 12 studies (equivalent to 14 treatment arms) with 807 participants were finally considered to be selected for the current meta-analysis”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given
The adverse event rate was similar in the experimental and control groups.
“The adverse event rate was similar in the experimental and control groups”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
In subjects with spirulina intervention ≥12 weeks, HDL-C was significantly increased (WMD = 6.66 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.22 to 13.11; P=0.04).
“and increased HDL-C (WMD = 6.66 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.22 to 13.11; P=0.04)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In the pooled analysis, spirulina supplementation significantly lowered fasting blood glucose (WMD = −5.01 mg/dL; 95% CI: −9.78 to −0.24; P=0.04).
“fasting blood glucose (WMD = −5.01 mg/dL; 95% CI: −9.78 to −0.24; P=0.04)”
- Also stated in: § Effect of spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and BP · plain
“spirulina consumption significantly lowered FBG (eight treatment arms; WMD = −5.01 mg/dL; 95% CI: −9.78 to −0.24; P=0.04; I2=77%)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Effect of spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and BP · plain
- Interpretationown data
The pooled results indicate clinically important improvements in CVD risk profile.
“The pooled results indicate clinically important improvements in CVD risk profile.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
Spirulina supplementation has a favorable effect on select cardiovascular and metabolic biomarkers in humans, including lipid, glucose, and DBP management.
“Our findings provide substantial evidence that spirulina supplementation has favorable effect on select cardiovascular and metabolic biomarkers in humans, including lipid, glucose, and DBP management.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductown data
No obvious publication bias was detected in the meta-analysis.
“no obvious publication bias was detected”
- Also stated in: § Publication bias · plain
“No obvious publication bias was discerned in the visual inspection of funnel plots (Figure S3).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Also stated in: § Publication bias · plain
- Study design and conductown data
The pooled effects of spirulina on lipid profile did not change after systematically dropping each trial in the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis.
“The pooled effects of spirulina on lipid profile did not change after systematically dropping each trial (Figure S2).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
Spirulina has been shown to activate atheroprotective heme oxygenase-1 in endothelial cells in an in vivo study.
“The effects of spirulina administration on atherosclerosis are also revealed by in vivo study, in which spirulina has been shown to activate the atheroprotective heme oxygenase-1 in endothelial cells.46”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [46] Strasky Z Zemankova L Nemeckova I Spirulina platensis and phycocyanobilin activate atheroprotective heme oxygenase-1: a possible implication for atherogenesis Food Funct 2013 4 11 1586 1594 24056745
Not checked in the free run.
- Study design and conductown data
A high degree of heterogeneity between studies was observed and was not completely resolved by subgroup and sensitivity analyses.
“we observed a high degree of heterogeneity between studies that was not completely resolved by numerous subgroup and sensitivity analyses”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductnone given
Most of the included trials had insufficient information about sequence generation, allocation concealment, and types of blinding.
“Most of the trials were characterized by insufficient information about the sequence generation, allocation concealment, and types of blinding.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Study design and conductreasoning
Some confounding factors, such as physical activities and other dietary factors, were unable to be taken into consideration due to lack of information in most existing studies.
“some other confounding factors were unable to be taken into consideration, such as physical activities and other dietary factors intervention”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Study design and conductreasoning
The results for body weight are inconclusive because the number of eligible clinical trials was relatively small.
“It should be noted that these results are inconclusive because the number of eligible clinical trial was relatively small; further, large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the present results.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductown data
Begg's rank correlation and Egger's linear regression tests did not show any evidence of publication bias in the present analysis (all P>0.05).
“These results did not show any evidence of publication bias in the present analysis (all P>0.05).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Study design and conductreasoning
The meta-analysis may not have entirely identified all relevant articles involving the use of spirulina, especially unpublished trials and gray literature.
“we may not have entirely identified all relevant articles involving the use of spirulina especially unpublished trials and gray literature”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
Greater weight loss generates greater benefit in terms of meaningful reductions in serum lipids, blood pressure, blood glucose, and the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
“Greater weight loss generates greater benefit in terms of meaningful reductions in serum lipids, BP, blood glucose, and the risk of developing metabolism syndrome.48”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [48] Wenger NK Prevention of cardiovascular disease: highlights for the clinician of the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines Clin Cardiol 2014 37 4 239 251 24633723 PMC6649601
Not checked in the free run.
- May combine two claims. 6
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 5
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataAmong the included trials, five were considered low risk of bias, six high risk of bias, and one unclear.
“Overall, five trials were considered as a low risk of bias, six as a high risk of bias, and one as unclear.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown dataThe amount of spirulina administered in the included trials ranged from 1 to 19 g/d.
“The amount of spirulina ranged from 1 to 19 g/d”
- Also stated in: § Characteristics and quality of the included studies · plain
“A range of doses from 1 to 19 g/d of spirulina was administered in the included trials.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Also stated in: § Characteristics and quality of the included studies · plain
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Findingown dataAmong the included studies, five used placebo as control, six used no intervention as control, and one used soybean as control.
“Among the included studies, five trials used the placebo as the control, six trials used no intervention as the control, and one study used soybean as the control.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataSelected studies were performed in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus, HIV infection, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and hyperlipidemic nephrotic syndrome.
“Selected studies were performed in subjects who suffered from type 2 diabetes mellitus, HIV-infected, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and hyperlipidemic nephrotic syndrome.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingnone givenAll included trials were designed as parallel-group studies.
“All trials were designed as parallel-group studies.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown dataThe duration of the spirulina intervention varied from 2 to 24 weeks in the included trials.
“The duration of the spirulina intervention varied from 2 to 24 weeks”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationA previous meta-analysis including seven trials with 522 participants found that spirulina supplementation significantly lowered TC, LDL-C, and TG and elevated HDL-C.
“Previous study included seven trials with 522 participants for analysis and indicated that spirulina supplementation significantly lowered TC (P<0.001), LDL-C (P<0.001), and TG (P=0.001) and elevated those of HDL-C (P<0.001).35”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Serban et al35
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataThe results of this meta-analysis are remarkably similar to the study by Serban et al for TC, LDL-C, and TG, but in contrast to HDL-C.
“The results of our meta-analysis are remarkably similar to the study performed by Serban et al35 regarding TC, LDL-C, and TG, but in contrast to HDL-C.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Serban et al35
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductown dataPublication bias tests were not performed for HbA1c, SBP, and DBP due to lack of sufficient studies (n<5).
“We did not perform publication bias test for HbA1c, SBP, and DBP due to lack of sufficient studies (n<5).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationThe hypocholesterolemic action of spirulina platensis concentrate may involve inhibition of jejunal cholesterol absorption and ileal bile acid reabsorption, and increased fecal cholesterol and bile acid excretion.
“It has been shown that the hypocholesterolemic action of spirulina platensis concentrate may involve the inhibition of both jejunal cholesterol absorption and ileal bile acid reabsorption, as well as increase fecal cholesterol and bile acid excretion.41,42”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [41] Nagaoka S Shimizu K Kaneko H A novel protein C-phycocyanin plays a crucial role in the hypocholesterolemic action of Spirulina platensis concentrate in rats J Nutr 2005 135 10 2425 2430 16177207
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [42] Kulshreshtha A Zacharia AJ Jarouliya U Bhadauriya P Prasad GB Bisen PS Spirulina in health care management Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2008 9 5 400 405 18855693
Not checked in the free run.
The paper relies on this without support.
No prior meta-analysis has specifically pooled or summarized the precise effect of spirulina consumption on cardiovascular risk factors.
“However, results are inconsistent and no meta-analysis has specifically pooled nor summarized the precise effect of spirulina consumption on cardiovascular risk factors.”
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Consuming spirulina supplements in doses ranging from 1 to 19 g per day for 2 to 48 weeks had a beneficial impact on a variety of key indicators of the body, including an increase in overall body weight and BMI.
“According to the findings of the research conducted by Huang et al. [156], consuming spirulina supplements in doses ranging from 1 to 19 g per day for a period of time ranging from 2 to 48 weeks had a beneficial impact on a variety of key indicators of the body. It was noticed that there had been an increase in overall body weight as well as in BMI.”
From Trends and Technological Advancements in the Possible Food Applications of Spirulina and Their Health Benefits: A Review. (2022) · cites this paper as [156]
The Abstract Results report doses of 1–19 g/day, durations of 2–48 weeks, and improvements in several metabolic markers. But the Results section on body weight and blood pressure reports no significant change in either body weight or BMI; both estimated changes were negative, contrary to the claimed increases. (LLM, conf=0.90)
Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredSpirulina lowers blood lipids, particularly triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and indirectly modifies total cholesterol and HDL levels; spirulina supplements decrease triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and very LDL while increasing HDL.
“It was noted that spirulina has an effect on lowering blood lipids, particularly triglycerides and cholesterol linked to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), as well as an indirect effect on total cholesterol and cholesterol linked to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), due to the presence of a pigment called phycocyanin [89].”
From Trends and Technological Advancements in the Possible Food Applications of Spirulina and Their Health Benefits: A Review. (2022) · cites this paper as [156]
Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredSpirulina supplementation can maintain nutritional balance, reduce blood lipids, modify carbohydrates, drop blood sugar levels by a large amount, and minimize inflammatory stress levels.
“Spirulina supplementation can be used to maintain nutritional balance, reduce blood lipids and modify carbohydrates, and drop blood sugar levels by a large amount. It can also be used to minimize inflammatory stress levels [44,156].”
From Trends and Technological Advancements in the Possible Food Applications of Spirulina and Their Health Benefits: A Review. (2022) · cites this paper as [156]
The Results (page not provided) report lower blood lipids and fasting blood glucose with spirulina supplementation. The reported glucose reduction was 5.01 mg/dL, which does not establish a drop ‘by a large amount.’ The Abstract describes spirulina’s nutrient profile, and the Discussion mentions antioxidant mechanisms, but neither establishes that supplementation maintains nutritional balance, modifies carbohydrates, or minimizes inflammatory stress. (LLM, conf=0.89)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredUsing spirulina supplements has a beneficial impact on a number of metabolic and cardiovascular health markers in people, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, very LDL, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure, without causing negative side effects.
“It has been demonstrated that using these supplements has a beneficial impact on a number of metabolic and cardiovascular health markers in people, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, extremely LDL, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure, without causing any negative side effects [156].”
From Trends and Technological Advancements in the Possible Food Applications of Spirulina and Their Health Benefits: A Review. (2022) · cites this paper as [156]
Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredIn 78 individuals aged 60-87 years, 8 g/day spirulina versus placebo for 16 weeks significantly reduced plasma TC and LDL in females, and increased IL-2 and reduced IL-6.
“The most recent randomised controlled trial included 78 individuals aged 60–87 years, who were randomly assigned to 8 g/day spirulina versus placebo for 16 weeks. The female were noted to have higher mean TC and LDL-C and also showed significant reductions in their plasma levels, TC from 200.5 to 184.8 mg/dL (p=0.03) and LDL from 126.7 to 112.1 mg/dL (p=0.05).41 In addition, interleukin-2 (IL-2)”
From Effects of spirulina on weight loss and blood lipids: A review (2020) · cites this paper as [41]
A 2018 meta-analysis of 12 clinical studies showed that spirulina supplementation (1 g up to 19 g per day) significantly lowered TC, LDL-C, triglycerides, VLDL-C, fasting blood glucose, and diastolic blood pressure.
“Furthermore, a recent 2018 meta-analysis of 12 clinical studies in humans showed that spirulina supplementation (1 g up to 19 g per day) significantly lowered TC (−36.60 mg/dL; p=0.0001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−33.16 mg/dL; p=0.0002), triglycerides (−39.2 mg/dL; p=0.0001), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−8.02 mg/dL; p=0.0001), fasting blood glucose (−5.01 mg/dL; p=0.04)”
From Effects of spirulina on weight loss and blood lipids: A review (2020) · cites this paper as [41]
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Maximum intervention duration differs between sections
MinorThe abstract states that interventions lasted up to 48 weeks, whereas the Results section states that they lasted up to 24 weeks.
“intervention durations ranged from 2 to 48 weeks”
“The duration of the spirulina intervention varied from 2 to 24 weeks”
DBP P-value differs between abstract and results
MinorThe same pooled DBP effect is reported with P=0.001 in the abstract and P=0.0001 in the Results section.
“DBP (WMD = −7.17 mmHg; 95% CI: −8.57 to −5.78; P=0.001)”
“DBP (four treatment arms; WMD = −7.17 mmHg; 95% CI: −8.57 to −5.78; P=0.0001; I2=0%)”
HDL-C is called nonsignificant despite a positive 95% CI
MinorThe reported 95% CI for the HDL-C effect lies entirely above zero, indicating significance at the stated 5% level, but the text says the effect may not be significant.
“spirulina intervention may not significantly change the levels of HDL-C”
“HDL-C (11 treatment arms; WMD = 5.81 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.10 to 11.51; P=0.05; I2=94%)”
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Spirulina for the Food and Functional Food Industries
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Spirulina: A panacea for all human ailments
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Physical parameters of chocolate with the addition of Arthrospira platensis
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Amlashi, N. S., Mahmood, F. R., Baig, M. R., Basunduwah, T. S., Patel, P. N., Ruziyeva, G., Singh, G., Iqbal, M. S., Kadhem, M., & Ebrahimi, A. (2026) · Algal Research · doi:10.1016/j.algal.2026.104571 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
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Seaweeds: A Comprehensive Review of Pharmacological Interests
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- Authors
- Huang, H., Liao, D., Pu, R., & Cui, Y.
- Affiliations
- Southern Medical University (CN)
- Corresponding author
- Huang, Haohai
- Venue
- Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2018-11
- Volume
- Volume 11
- Pages
- 729-742
- ISSN
- 1178-7007 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC6241722
- OpenAlex
- W2901944235
- Semantic Scholar
- 9db20a490f80b5f2d0400be29c645f52e9959e2b
- Cited by
- 44
- References
- 62
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 2
- FWCI
- 5.26
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Diabetes Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Dove Medical Press (Taylor and Francis Group) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds
- Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
- Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Fatty Acid Research and Health
- Keywords
- Spirulina, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, lipid profile, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, body weight, metabolic risk factors, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, weight loss, weight gain, dietary fiber
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-07.
Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-07.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
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