Research · Meta-analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of spirulina supplementation on fasting plasma glucose and insulin
Serban et al. · 2016 · Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders
Key finding
Pooled analysis found spirulina supplementation produced a statistically significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (mean −0.85 mmol/L, p<0.001) across 7 RCTs. No significant effect was found on HbA1c or fasting insulin. Effect was stronger in studies with higher baseline blood glucose.
Why this matters for consumers
The most comprehensive meta-analysis on spirulina and glycaemic control. The specific finding — FBG responds, HbA1c does not consistently — suggests spirulina affects acute glucose regulation more than longer-term average glucose. This helps calibrate expectations for people with pre-diabetes or mild type 2 diabetes.
Study limitations
7 trials is a small base; heterogeneous populations and doses; most studies short duration; no large RCTs.
Related studies
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
Spirulina for human health: a review of its clinical evidence
Lafarga et al. · 2020
Spirulina supplementation and body weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Colla et al. · 2020
New research, when it matters
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