Research · Systematic review
Health benefits of spirulina and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae as food supplements
Deng & Chow · 2010 · Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association
Key finding
Systematic review of clinical trials concluded that spirulina consistently reduces total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides across diverse populations, and raises HDL. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are well-evidenced. Authors grade the cardiovascular evidence as the strongest among spirulina's claimed benefits.
Why this matters for consumers
Useful as a synthesising reference covering cardiovascular outcomes. The grading of evidence — cardiovascular effects strongest, with other areas more preliminary — aligns with how we present the evidence on this site.
Study limitations
Review is now over a decade old; subsequent meta-analyses have refined estimates.
Related studies
Spirulina maxima prevents induction of fatty liver by carbon tetrachloride
Torres-Durán et al. · 2007
Antihyperlipidemic effects of spirulina in patients with type 2 diabetes
Mani et al. · 2000
Ergogenic and antioxidant effects of spirulina supplementation
Kalafati et al. · 2010
The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis
Cingi et al. · 2008
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