Effects of Spirulina Supplementation on Mental Health in Healthy Adults

Обзор

Spirulina platensis is a form of cyanobacteria, a blue-green algae, and is a superfood most known for being rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, and healthful phytochemicals. Spirulina supports brain health through neuroprotection offered by its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and hormone regulation. The aim of this study is to supplement healthy adults from a campus community with 3g of spirulina, daily, for 8 weeks to improve mood and mental acuity in comparison to receiving a placebo.

Подробное описание

Spirulina is nutrient-dense with vitamins and minerals which provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory mechanisms to help reduce oxidative stress and ROS activity. Preclinical studies have indicated Spirulina can reduce inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, and reverse stress responses and oxidative damage in BDNF, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2), and ultimately the phosphorylation of protein-kinase B (AKT), which promotes cell growth. In addition to these benefits, fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and glycolipids, support gut health and the immune system. In combination, all these nutrients help increase neuroprotection and brain health.

It is evident that Spirulina supports brain health through neuroprotection, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and hormone regulation. Research supports Spirulina reversing neurodegenerative diseases due to several of these beneficial properties. There have been many studies that utilize Spirulina to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, ulcerative colitis, IBD, fibromyalgia and even in TBI and Ischemic stroke.

Although many of these diseases have depressive symptoms, few of these studies have evaluated the impact of Spirulina on mood. Furthermore, no studies have been conducted relating depression and the cyanobacteria. It is possible that Spirulina supplements can be used to reduce feelings of hopelessness and lack of energy, by providing additional vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids, on a daily basis. This study aims to compare spirulina and its improvement on mood, in health college students, by daily supplementation of 3g of Spirulina over a span of 8 weeks.

Вмешательства

• Другое Spirulina capsules
  active intervention
• Другое Placebo
  no active ingredient

Первичные конечные точки

• POMS (profile of mood states questionnaire) [Срок оценки: conducted at baseline and at week 8 (study's end)]
• Trail Making Test [Срок оценки: conducted at baseline and at week 8 (study's end)]

Критерии участия

Критерии включения

• healthy adults
• ages 18-65
• no underlying chronic disease or acute conditions
• no autoimmune conditions
• do not consume alcohol in excess, smoke, use recreational drugs
• does not follow restrictive diets
• will be recruited from the ASU university campus.

Критерии исключения

• not have been clinically diagnosed with depression
• not taking antidepressants, anxiety, or stress medications, or any other medications
• drugs, or supplements that could influence mental capacities
• not pregnant or breastfeeding
• not a competitive athlete

Критерии приведены из реестра в оригинале (на английском). Окончательную оценку соответствия проводит исследовательский центр.

Здоровые добровольцы: Да

Дизайн исследования

Распределение

Рандомизированное

Модель

Параллельные группы

Маскирование

Двойное слепое

Основная цель

Профилактика

Центры проведения

США · 1 центр

• 850 PBC — Phoenix

Идентификаторы

NCT: NCT06936202 · STUDY00021993

Первоисточники (государственные реестры)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH, США)

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