Research · Randomised controlled trial
The influence of spirulina supplementation on lipid profiles and antioxidant status
Samuels et al. · 2002 · Lipids in Health and Disease
Key finding
Spirulina supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides while improving antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) in elderly adults. HDL increased modestly.
Why this matters for consumers
One of the few studies specifically in elderly populations. The antioxidant enzyme improvements are particularly notable — these decline naturally with age, and supporting them nutritionally is a meaningful outcome beyond just lipid numbers.
Study limitations
High dose (7.5 g/day); elderly Korean population; no long-term follow-up.
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
Anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects of spirulina in obese adults
Park et al. · 2008
New research, when it matters
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