Research · Systematic review
Spirulina for human health: a review of its clinical evidence
Lafarga et al. · 2020 · Food Chemistry
Key finding
Systematic review covering 2010–2020 found consistent evidence for spirulina's effects on lipid profiles, blood glucose, and oxidative stress markers across RCTs. Emerging evidence for gut microbiome modulation — spirulina appears to increase Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium populations in preliminary studies.
Why this matters for consumers
The gut microbiome findings are new — not present in earlier reviews. If confirmed, this opens a mechanistic pathway connecting spirulina to metabolic and immune outcomes beyond what direct absorption of bioactives would explain.
Study limitations
Gut microbiome data from only 2–3 small studies; methodology heterogeneous.
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
Supplementation with spirulina in a standard anti-diabetic regimen
Parikh et al. · 2001
The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis
Cingi et al. · 2008
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