| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fat Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 2 studies | 92 people | ||
Studies that measured body fat
| ||||||
| IGF-1 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 40 people | |||
Studies that measured igf-1 | ||||||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 92 people | |||
| Follistatin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 40 people | ||||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 40 people | ||||
| Myostatin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 40 people | ||||
| Oxygen Uptake | Improves (the measure goes up) | 52 people | ||||
Supplement
Spirulina is a blue-green alga eaten as a dried powder or tablet, rich in protein and in a pigment called phycocyanin that may influence immune signaling. Most people look at it for seasonal allergies, and trials found allergy symptoms improved, with moderate evidence behind that result. Only two studies, with 194 people in total, contributed to it, so the picture is encouraging but still fairly narrow.
Sources: PMID 18343939; PMID 32773785
- Updated
- How we grade
- 58 studies cited
- Best evidence
- Grade B
- Conditions studied
- 34
- Outcomes
- 304
- Graded outcomes
- 04179
Evidence by condition
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allergy Symptoms Large Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Large effect | 2 studies | 194 people | ||
| Interleukin 4 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 101 people | |||
Studies that measured interleukin 4 | ||||||
| Interferon Gamma | Improves (the measure goes up) | 101 people | ||||
| Interleukin 1-alpha | Improves (the measure goes up) | 65 people | ||||
| Interleukin 1-beta | Improves (the measure goes down) | 65 people | ||||
| Interleukin 10 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 65 people | ||||
| Interleukin 2 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 36 people | ||||
| Nasal Congestion | Improves (the measure goes up) | 194 people | ||||
Metabolic Health
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
Dyslipidemia
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
Overweight
- Arterial Stiffness: improves
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Glycemic Control: improves
- Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC): improves
- Superoxide Dismutase Activity: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glycemic Control Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 1 study | 33 people | ||
Studies that measured glycemic control | ||||||
| Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 259 people | |||
Studies that measured total antioxidant capacity (tac) | ||||||
| Superoxide Dismutase Activity | Improves (the measure goes up) | 184 people | ||||
Muscle Size Strength
- Muscle Soreness
- Power Output: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle Soreness Mixed effect | 1 study | 24 people | ||||
Studies that measured muscle soreness | ||||||
| Power Output | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 24 people | |||
Nephrotic Syndrome
- Blood glucose: improves
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
Rugby Performance
- Power Output: improves
- Sprint Performance Metrics: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Output Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 1 study | 22 people | ||
| Sprint Performance Metrics | Improves (the measure goes up) | 22 people | ||||
Muscle Size & Strength
- Muscle Soreness
- Power Output: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle Soreness Mixed effect | 1 study | 24 people | ||||
Studies that measured muscle soreness | ||||||
| Power Output | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 24 people | |||
Obesity
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
- Aerobic Exercise Metrics
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
Immune Health
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
- Interleukin 6: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 78 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 128 people | |||
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl)
| ||||||
| Interleukin 6 | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 206 people | |||
Studies that measured interleukin 6
| ||||||
| Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 50 people | |||
Studies that measured total antioxidant capacity (tac) | ||||||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 50 people | |||
Studies that measured blood glucose | ||||||
| Interleukin 4 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 36 people | |||
| Natural Killer Cell Activity | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 21 people | |||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 78 people | |||
| Treg Cells | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 19 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 128 people | |||
| White Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 40 people | |||
| CD8 Lymphocytes | Improves (the measure goes up) | 19 people | ||||
| Complement Component 3 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 78 people | ||||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 128 people | ||||
| Immunoglobulin A | Improves (the measure goes up) | 78 people | ||||
| Immunoglobulin G | Improves (the measure goes up) | 78 people | ||||
| Insulin | Changes; see studies | 50 people | ||||
| Insulin Resistance | Improves (the measure goes down) | 50 people | ||||
| Interferon Gamma | Improves (the measure goes up) | 36 people | ||||
| Interleukin 2 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 114 people | ||||
| Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 78 people | ||||
| Natural Killer Cell Content | Improves (the measure goes up) | 40 people | ||||
| Red Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 40 people | ||||
| T Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 19 people | ||||
| TNF-Alpha | Improves (the measure goes down) | 156 people | ||||
High Blood Pressure
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 16 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 72 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 72 people | |||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 128 people | |||
| Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 259 people | |||
| Arterial Stiffness | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 40 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 36 people | |||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 16 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 72 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 40 people | |||
| Endothelin-1 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 16 people | ||||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 72 people | ||||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 36 people | ||||
| sE-Selectin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 16 people | ||||
| sICAM-1 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 16 people | ||||
| Superoxide Dismutase Activity | Improves (the measure goes up) | 184 people |
High Cholesterol
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 78 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 189 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 189 people | |||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 88 people | |||
| Interleukin 6 | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 78 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 59 people | |||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 78 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 189 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 75 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 189 people | ||||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 36 people | ||||
| TNF-Alpha | Improves (the measure goes down) | 78 people | ||||
| vLDL-C | Improves (the measure goes down) | 23 people |
Weight Loss & Maintenance
- Adiponectin: improves
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adiponectin Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 52 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 52 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 52 people | |||
| Body Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 198 people | |||
| Appetite | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 52 people | |||
| IGF-1 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 40 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 52 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 649 people | |||
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 748 people | ||||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 52 people | ||||
| Follistatin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 40 people | ||||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 52 people | ||||
| Hip Circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 52 people | ||||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 40 people | ||||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 92 people | ||||
| Myostatin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 40 people | ||||
| Waist circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 312 people | ||||
| Waist-Hip Ratio | Improves (the measure goes up) | 52 people |
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
- Hemoglobin: improves
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 15 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 18 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 18 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 18 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 15 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 18 people | ||||
| Insulin Resistance | Improves (the measure goes down) | 15 people | ||||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 18 people | ||||
| Liver Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 people |
Type 2 Diabetes
- Adiponectin: improves
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adiponectin Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 37 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 37 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 37 people | |||
| Interleukin 6 | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 37 people | |||
| HbA1c | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 62 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 62 people | |||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 37 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 62 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 37 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 62 people | ||||
| TNF-Alpha | Improves (the measure goes down) | 37 people |
Metabolic Syndrome
- Adiponectin: improves
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adiponectin Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 52 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 510 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 510 people | |||
| Body Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 52 people | |||
| HbA1c | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 510 people | |||
| Appetite | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 52 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 510 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 510 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 52 people | |||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 52 people | ||||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 510 people | ||||
| Hip Circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 52 people | ||||
| Insulin | Changes; see studies | 510 people | ||||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 52 people | ||||
| vLDL-C | Improves (the measure goes down) | 510 people | ||||
| Waist circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 52 people | ||||
| Waist-Hip Ratio | Improves (the measure goes up) | 52 people |
Muscle Recovery
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
- Muscle Soreness: improves
- Muscular Endurance: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 16 people | |||
| Muscle Soreness | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 24 people | |||
| Muscular Endurance | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 16 people | |||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 16 people | |||
| Power Output | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 24 people | |||
| Creatine Kinase | Changes; see studies | 16 people | ||||
| Respiratory Exchange Ratio | Improves (the measure goes up) | 16 people | ||||
| Superoxide Dismutase Activity | Improves (the measure goes up) | 16 people |
General Cancer Care and Prevention
- CD4 Lymphocytes: worsens
- White Blood Cell Count: improves
- CD8 Lymphocytes: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CD4 Lymphocytes Small Decrease | Worsens (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 100 people | |||
| White Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 100 people | |||
| CD8 Lymphocytes | Improves (the measure goes up) | 100 people | ||||
| Complement Component 4 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 100 people | ||||
| Hemoglobin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 100 people | ||||
| Immunoglobulin A | Improves (the measure goes up) | 100 people | ||||
| Immunoglobulin G | Improves (the measure goes up) | 100 people | ||||
| Immunoglobulin M | Improves (the measure goes up) | 100 people | ||||
| Neutrophil Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 100 people | ||||
| Serum Platelets | Improves (the measure goes up) | 100 people |
Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Anemia Risk: improves
- White Blood Cell Count: improves
- Red Blood Cell Count: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anemia Risk Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 40 people | |||
| White Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 40 people | |||
| Red Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 40 people |
Aerobic Exercise Performance
- Aerobic Exercise Metrics
- Body Fat: improves
- Muscular Endurance: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Exercise Metrics No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 100 people | |||
| Body Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 52 people | |||
| Muscular Endurance | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 9 people | |||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 9 people | |||
| Oxygen Cost of Exercise | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 11 people | |||
| Power Output | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 19 people | |||
| Treg Cells | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 19 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 52 people | |||
| Blood Lactate (Exercise) | Changes; see studies | 19 people | ||||
| CD8 Lymphocytes | Improves (the measure goes up) | 19 people | ||||
| Cognition | Improves (the measure goes up) | 18 people | ||||
| Fat Oxidation | Improves (the measure goes up) | 9 people | ||||
| Heart Rate | Improves (the measure goes down) | 63 people | ||||
| Hemoglobin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 11 people | ||||
| Natural Killer Cell Content | Improves (the measure goes up) | 19 people | ||||
| Oxygen Uptake | Improves (the measure goes up) | 63 people | ||||
| Respiratory Exchange Ratio | Improves (the measure goes up) | 11 people | ||||
| Stress Signs and Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 18 people | ||||
| T Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 19 people |
General Athletic Performance
- Aerobic Exercise Metrics
- Muscle Soreness: improves
- Muscular Endurance: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Exercise Metrics No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 11 people | |||
| Muscle Soreness | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 24 people | |||
| Muscular Endurance | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 25 people | |||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 25 people | |||
| Oxygen Cost of Exercise | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 11 people | |||
| Power Output | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 24 people | |||
| Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile | Improves (the measure goes up) | 16 people | ||||
| Creatine Kinase | Changes; see studies | 16 people | ||||
| Fat Oxidation | Improves (the measure goes up) | 9 people | ||||
| Heart Rate | Improves (the measure goes down) | 11 people | ||||
| Hemoglobin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 11 people | ||||
| Oxygen Uptake | Improves (the measure goes up) | 11 people | ||||
| Respiratory Exchange Ratio | Improves (the measure goes up) | 27 people | ||||
| Superoxide Dismutase Activity | Improves (the measure goes up) | 16 people |
General Cardiovascular Health
- Aerobic Exercise Metrics
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Exercise Metrics No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 52 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 36 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 36 people | |||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 36 people | |||
| Body Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 52 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 36 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 77 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 52 people | |||
| Heart Rate | Improves (the measure goes down) | 52 people | ||||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 36 people | ||||
| Oxygen Uptake | Improves (the measure goes up) | 52 people |
Chronic pain
- Bilirubin
- Blood glucose: improves
- Blood Clotting: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilirubin No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 24 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 24 people | |||
| Blood Clotting | Improves (the measure goes up) | 24 people | ||||
| Creatinine | Improves (the measure goes up) | 24 people | ||||
| P-Selectin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 24 people | ||||
| Pain | Improves (the measure goes down) | 24 people | ||||
| Serum Platelets | Improves (the measure goes up) | 24 people | ||||
| Urea | Improves (the measure goes up) | 24 people |
Fatigue
- Aerobic Exercise Metrics
- Cognition: improves
- Stress Signs and Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Exercise Metrics No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 18 people | |||
| Cognition | Improves (the measure goes up) | 18 people | ||||
| Stress Signs and Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 18 people |
Rowing Performance
- Aerobic Exercise Metrics
- Power Output: improves
- Treg Cells: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Exercise Metrics No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 19 people | |||
| Power Output | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 19 people | |||
| Treg Cells | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 19 people | |||
| Blood Lactate (Exercise) | Changes; see studies | 19 people | ||||
| CD8 Lymphocytes | Improves (the measure goes up) | 19 people | ||||
| Natural Killer Cell Content | Improves (the measure goes up) | 19 people | ||||
| T Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 19 people |
Infertility
- Sperm Count
- Sperm Quality: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sperm Count No effect | NoneNo effect | 49 people | ||||
| Sperm Quality | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 49 people |
Ulcerative Colitis
- Anxiety Symptoms
- Blood Pressure: improves
- Depression Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety Symptoms No effect | NoneNo effect | 80 people | ||||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 80 people | |||
| Depression Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 80 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 80 people | |||
| Day-Time Dysfunction | Improves (the measure goes up) | 80 people | ||||
| Fatigue Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 80 people | ||||
| Hip Circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 80 people | ||||
| Sleep Disturbance Signs and Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 80 people | ||||
| Sleep Duration | Improves (the measure goes up) | 80 people | ||||
| Sleep Efficiency | Improves (the measure goes up) | 80 people | ||||
| Sleep Latency | Improves (the measure goes down) | 80 people | ||||
| Sleep Quality | Improves (the measure goes up) | 80 people | ||||
| Stress Signs and Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 80 people | ||||
| Waist circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 80 people |
Arsenic Poisoning
- Arsenic Poisoning Signs and Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic Poisoning Signs and Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 41 people |
Hepatitis C
- HVC Viral Load: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HVC Viral Load | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 66 people |
Leukoplakia
- Oral Cancer Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Cancer Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 87 people |
Asthma
- Lung Function: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lung Function | Improves (the measure goes up) | 34 people |
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
- Fatigue Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fatigue Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 4 people |
Key findings
- Allergy SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)
- Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme ProfileImproves (the measure goes up)
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- Grade B
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Studies cited
58 studies from PubMed
- Effects of spirulina and wakame consumption on intestinal cholesterol absorption and serum lipid concentrations in non-hypercholesterolemic adult men and women
- Spirulina in Health and Disease Prevention: A Comprehensive Review
- Spirulina Supplementation and Metabolic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis
- Spirulina and Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review
- Spirulina (Arthrospira): Nutritional Value and Health Effects
- Spirulina and Immune Function: A Systematic Review
- Safety Assessment of Spirulina (Arthrospira) as a Dietary Supplement
- A Systematic Review of the Effects of Spirulina on Cardiovascular Risk Factors
- Effects of Spirulina on Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Spirulina: Evidence from Clinical Studies
- Effects of Spirulina on Body Weight and Blood Glucose: A Meta-Analysis
- Effect of Spirulina maxima on postprandial lipemia in young runners: a preliminary report
- Wheat grass supplementation decreases oxidative stress in healthy subjects: a comparative study with spirulina
- Spirulina maxima improves insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and total antioxidant status in obese patients with well-treated hypertension: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study
- Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 polymorphism interaction with spirulina immunomodulatory effects in healthy Korean elderly: A 16 week, double-blind randomized clinical trial
- A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study to establish the effects of spirulina in elderly Koreans
- An attempt to induce an immunomodulatory effect in rowers with spirulina extract
- Effects of a Spirulina-based dietary supplement on cytokine production from allergic rhinitis patients
- The effects of Spirulina on anemia and immune function in senior citizens
- Enhancement of natural killer cell activity in healthy subjects by Immulina®, a Spirulina extract enriched for Braun-type lipoproteins
- The effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Hypolipidemic Effect of Arthrospira ( Spirulina) maxima Supplementation and a Systematic Physical Exercise Program in Overweight and Obese Men: A Double-Blind, Randomized, and Crossover Controlled Trial
- The effects of Spirulina Platensis on anthropometric indices, appetite, lipid profile and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in obese individuals: a randomized double blinded placebo controlled trial
- The effects of spirulina under high-intensity interval training on levels of nesfatin-1, omentin-1, and lipid profiles in overweight and obese females: A randomized, controlled, single-blind trial
- Effects of Spirulina supplementation on obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
- Effect of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima Supplementation and a Systematic Physical Exercise Program on the Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Overweight or Obese Subjects: A Double-Blind, Randomized, and Crossover Controlled Trial
- Spirulina supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in enhancement of antioxidant capacity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials
- Clinical comparison of the efficacy of spirulina platensis and cetirizine for treatment of allergic rhinitis
- The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis
- Effects of spirulina consumption on body weight, blood pressure, and endothelial function in overweight hypertensive Caucasians: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial
- Effects of dietary Spirulina on vascular reactivity
- Spirulina maxima Decreases Endothelial Damage and Oxidative Stress Indicators in Patients with Systemic Arterial Hypertension: Results from Exploratory Controlled Clinical Trial
- Antihyperlipemic and antihypertensive effects of Spirulina maxima in an open sample of Mexican population: a preliminary report
- The influence of obesity on the effects of spirulina supplementation in the human metabolic response of Korean elderly
- Ergogenic and antioxidant effects of spirulina supplementation in humans
- Spirulina supplementation improves oxygen uptake in arm cycling exercise
- Preventive effects of Spirulina platensis on skeletal muscle damage under exercise-induced oxidative stress
- The Effects of Spirulina Supplementation on Redox Status and Performance Following a Muscle Damaging Protocol
- A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study of spirulina supplementation on indices of mental and physical fatigue in men
- Hepatoprotective effects of Spirulina maxima in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a case series
- The hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic effects of Spirulina ( Arthrospira platensis) supplementation in a Cretan population with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a prospective pilot study
- The effect of Spirulina supplementation on lipid profile: GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials.
- A randomized study to establish the effects of spirulina in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
- Role of Spirulina in the Control of Glycemia and Lipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Spirulina supplementation during gradual weight loss in competitive wrestlers
- Spirulina platensis effectively ameliorates anthropometric measurements and obesity-related metabolic disorders in obese or overweight healthy individuals: A randomized controlled trial
- Effects of spirulina supplementation on body composition in adults: a GRADE-assessed and dose-response meta-analysis of RCTs.
- The effects of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, sleep quality, mental health, fatigue status and quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis: A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
- Hypocholesterolemic effect of spirulina in patients with hyperlipidemic nephrotic syndrome
- The hypolipidemic effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation in a Cretan population: a prospective study
- Spirulina platensis Provides a Small Advantage in Vertical Jump and Sprint Performance But Does Not Improve Elite Rugby Players' Body Composition
- Clinical Safety of a High Dose of Phycocyanin-Enriched Aqueous Extract from Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis: Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study with a Focus on Anticoagulant Activity and Platelet Activation
- Impact of Spirulina Supplementation on Semen Parameters in Patients with Idiopathic Male Infertility: A Pilot Randomized Trial
- Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with Spirulina fusiformis
- The effect of Spirulina platensis versus soybean on insulin resistance in HIV-infected patients: a randomized pilot study
- Spirulina platensis versus silymarin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. A pilot randomized, comparative clinical trial
- Spirulina did not ameliorate idiopathic chronic fatigue in four N-of-1 randomized controlled trials
- Efficacy of spirulina extract plus zinc in patients of chronic arsenic poisoning: a randomized placebo-controlled study