Spirulina for Brain Health? Alzheimer's Study Results

clinical-trial PMID: 36861852

Quick Summary: A recent study found that taking spirulina daily for 12 weeks may improve thinking skills and metabolic health in people with Alzheimer's disease.

What The Research Found

People with Alzheimer's who took spirulina showed slight improvements in their thinking abilities. They also had lower levels of inflammation and better blood sugar control compared to those who didn't take spirulina.

Study Details

Who was studied: 60 people with Alzheimer's disease.

How long: 12 weeks.

What they took: 1 gram of spirulina per day (in capsule form), or a placebo (a sugar pill).

What This Means For You

This study suggests that spirulina might help support brain health and metabolism in people with Alzheimer's. However, it's important to remember:

Talk to your doctor first: Always discuss any new supplements with your doctor, especially if you have a health condition.

Not a cure: Spirulina is not a cure for Alzheimer's. It might be helpful as part of a broader treatment plan.

More research needed: This was a small study. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

Study Limitations

The study only included a small number of people.

It was a short study (12 weeks).

The study didn't look at the long-term effects of spirulina.

Key Findings

Spirulina supplementation (1 g/day) for 12 weeks significantly improved cognitive function (measured by MMSE) and metabolic parameters in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients compared to placebo. Key outcomes included reduced inflammation (hs-CRP), improved glucose homeostasis, and enhanced insulin sensitivity. The study concluded spirulina may benefit cognitive and metabolic health in AD.

Study Design

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 60 participants diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (30 per group). The 12-week intervention assessed changes in cognitive function (via Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE) and metabolic markers. Blood samples were collected at baseline and post-intervention. Demographics beyond AD diagnosis were not specified in the summary.

Dosage & Administration

Participants received 500 mg of spirulina twice daily (total 1 g/day) or an identical placebo, administered orally in capsule form. The intervention lasted 12 consecutive weeks.

Results & Efficacy

Cognitive function: MMSE scores increased by +0.30 ± 0.99 in the spirulina group versus a decline of -0.38 ± 1.06 in placebo (p = 0.01).
Inflammation: hs-CRP decreased by -0.17 ± 0.29 mg/L (spirulina) vs. +0.05 ± 0.27 mg/L (placebo; p = 0.006).
Glucose metabolism: Fasting glucose dropped by -4.56 ± 7.93 mg/dL (spirulina) vs. +0.80 ± 2.95 mg/dL (placebo; p = 0.002). Insulin decreased by -0.37 ± 0.62 μIU/mL (vs. +0.12 ± 0.40; p = 0.001), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) fell by -0.08 ± 0.13 (vs. +0.03 ± 0.08; p = 0.001). Insulin sensitivity rose by +0.003 ± 0.005 (vs. -0.001 ± 0.003; p = 0.003). All results were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Limitations

The study had a modest sample size (n=60), short duration (12 weeks), and lacked long-term safety or cognitive trajectory data. Demographic details (e.g., age, AD severity, comorbidities) were not provided, limiting generalizability. No dietary or lifestyle controls were mentioned, potentially confounding metabolic results. Replication in larger, diverse cohorts with extended follow-up is needed.

Clinical Relevance

For AD patients, spirulina (1 g/day) may offer adjunctive support for cognitive stabilization and metabolic health, particularly in reducing inflammation and improving glucose regulation. However, it is not a replacement for standard AD therapies. Users should consult healthcare providers before use, as individual responses may vary and optimal dosing for AD remains unestablished. This trial supports further investigation but does not confirm spirulina as a standalone treatment.