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Abstract Title:

Effects of Spirulina supplementation on obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Abstract Source:

Complement Ther Med. 2019 Dec ;47:102211. Epub 2019 Oct 17. PMID: 31780031

Abstract Author(s):

Sajjad Moradi, Rahele Ziaei, Sahar Foshati, Hamed Mohammadi, Seyed Mostafa Nachvak, Mohammad Hossein Rouhani

Article Affiliation:

Sajjad Moradi

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: Evidence has suggested that Spirulina supplementation may affect anthropometric indices. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to summarize published randomized clinical trials which assess the effect of Spirulina supplementation on obesity.

SETTING: Pertinent studies were identified using Embase, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane library databases up to May 2019. Mean Differences (MD) were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were reported using standard methods.

RESULTS: Results of 5 studies (7 treatment arms) showed a significant reduction in weight (MD: -1.56 Kg, 95% CI: -1.98 to -1.14) after Spirulina supplementation. Subgroup analysis based on health status revealed that weight change in obese subjects (MD: -2.06 Kg, 95% CI: -2.45 to -1.68) was greater than overweight participants (MD: -1.28 Kg, 95% CI: -1.62 to -0.93) following Spirulina supplementation. Also, pooled analysis showed that Spirulina supplementation led to a significant reduction in body fat percent (MD: -1.02, 95% CI: -1.49 to -0.54) and waist circumference (MD: -1.40, 95% CI: -1.40 to -1.39), but not in body mass index and waist to hip ratio.

CONCLUSION: Spirulina supplementation significantly reduces body weight, especially in obese individuals.

Study Type : Meta Analysis, Review

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