Evidence supporting the use of: Spirulina
For the health condition: Metabolic Syndrome

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Spirulina, a blue-green algae, has been investigated for its potential role in supporting or treating Metabolic Syndrome, a cluster of conditions including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Scientific interest in spirulina stems from its high content of bioactive compounds such as phycocyanins, antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids.

Several clinical trials and animal studies have examined spirulina's effects on the components of metabolic syndrome. Results suggest that spirulina supplementation may lead to modest reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure, while sometimes improving HDL cholesterol. Additionally, some studies have reported improved fasting blood glucose and insulin sensitivity. For example, a meta-analysis published in 2018 (Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy) found that spirulina supplementation significantly reduced body weight, BMI, and improved lipid profiles among participants with metabolic disorders.

These effects are thought to be due to spirulina's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its potential to modulate lipid metabolism and exert antihypertensive effects. However, most human studies are small, of short duration, and sometimes methodologically limited, so larger and more rigorous trials are needed.

In summary, there is scientific validation—albeit moderate—for the use of spirulina in supporting some components of metabolic syndrome, mainly based on its biochemical properties and preliminary clinical evidence.

More about spirulina
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alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-lipoic acid
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ampelopsin
anchovies
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anthocyanidins
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antirrhinin
Antrodia camphorata
apigenin
arabinoxylan
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Aronia melanocarpa
Ascophyllum nodosum
asparagus
astragaloside
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bacillus subtilis
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beta-glucan
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charantin
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chlorogenic acid
chokeberry
chromium
cinnamon
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
corosolic acid
crocetin
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curcumin
cyanidin
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cynaropicrin
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DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
dihydrocapsiate
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