Sunday Nov 17, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- Spirulina supplements help older men and women to improve anemia and immunological dysfunction, according to a small trial published in Cellular & Molecular Immunology.

Anemia and immunological dysfunction (i.e. immunosenescence) are common in older people and nutritional treatments are highly desired.  Spirulina, an antioxidant blue-green alga, has been known to be capable of reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.  Researchers proposed that taking spirulina supplementation can help anemia and immune function or immunity in older people.

The study led by M Eric Gershwin from University of California at Davis in Davis, California and colleagues  shows spirulina supplementation increased the average values of mean corpuscular hemoglobin in both men and women and mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin levels in men during the course of 12-week supplementation.  Women were more responsive to the effect from spirulina supplements.  This means this dietary supplement can help anemia.

Additionally, spirulina supplements increased indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme activity - a sign of immune function and white blood cell count at six weeks and 12 weeks of spirulina supplementation.

The study concluded "Spirulina may ameliorate anemia and immunosenescence in older subjects. We encourage large human studies to determine whether this safe supplement could prove beneficial in randomized clinical trials."

The study involved 40 men and women aged 50 or older who had no history of chronic diseases.  All participants took a spirulina supplement for 12 weeks.  A relevant biomarkers were measured.

Spirulina is probably the best food available on this planet.  It has a complete nutritional profile and the highest amount of protein and all sorts of micronutrients including vitamins and minerals.  Spirulina has been consumed by humans in some regions.   This blue-alga has been known to provide quite some health benefits including weight loss, cholesterol reduction, and protection against diabetes mellitus and immunity improvement.

Spirulina is available as a dietary supplement in the form of tablets and bulk powder.  In some cases, spirulina powder is more desirable.  For instance, a high dose is needed to prevent diabetes and in that case spirulina powder may be easier to use. (David Liu, PHD)