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- Title
A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Establish the Effects of Spirulina in Elderly Koreans.
- Authors
Hee Jung Park; Yun Jung Lee; Han Kyoung Ryu; Mi Hyun Kim; Hye Won Chung; Wha Young Kim
- 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. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
- Publication
Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism, 2008, Vol 52, Issue 4, p322
- ISSN
0250-6807
- Publication type
Academic Journal
- DOI
10.1159/000151486