The effects of Spirulina supplementation on metabolic syndrome components, its liver manifestation and related inflammatory markers: A systematic review

Yousefi et al., 2019 | Complement Ther Med | Systematic Review

Citation

Yousefi Reyhaneh, Saidpour Atoosa, Mottaghi Azadeh. The effects of Spirulina supplementation on metabolic syndrome components, its liver manifestation and related inflammatory markers: A systematic review. Complement Ther Med. 2019-Feb;42:137-144. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2018.11.013

Abstract

AIMS: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of Spirulina supplementation on metabolic syndrome components, its liver manifestation and related inflammatory markers. METHODS: We searched PubMed and Scopus (up to August 2017) to identify relevant studies. English randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of Spirulina supplementation on factors associated with metabolic syndrome in human models, were included in the review. RESULTS: Among 720 articles related to Spirulina in the primary search, 22 of them were eligible human RCTs and finally 18 of them were included in the review. The systematic review revealed that oral dosage range of 1-19gr/day for 0.5-6 months of Spirulina supplementation have positive effects on metabolic syndrome components. CONCLUSION: Spirulina can be possibly administered as a safe and efficient supplementation in the case of metabolic syndrome components, although determining the optimal dosage and period of supplementation still needs further investigations.

Key Findings

Among 720 articles related to Spirulina in the primary search, 22 of them were eligible human RCTs and finally 18 of them were included in the review. The systematic review revealed that oral dosage range of 1-19gr/day for 0.5-6 months of Spirulina supplementation have positive effects on metabolic syndrome components.

Outcomes Measured

inflammatory markers

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	See abstract
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	See abstract

MeSH Terms

Animals
Biomarkers
Dietary Supplements
Humans
Inflammation
Liver
Metabolic Syndrome
Nutrition Therapy
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Spirulina

Evidence Classification

Level: Systematic Review
Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
Vertical: spirulina-metabolic

Provenance

PMID: 30670232
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.11.013
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09