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Effects of Spirulina Platensis Supplementation on Covid-19 Severity in Critically Ill Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial Publisher



Shadnoush M1 ; Santos HO2 ; Hatami M3 ; Norouzi M4, 5 ; Taghavi M6 ; Cerqueira HSC7 ; Mojani Qomi MS3, 8 ; Bakhshandeh H9 ; Rahmani J10 ; Javid Z11 ; Zavaragh DSD12 ; Mikaniki F13 ; Chaharmahali A13 ; Ghanavati M1 Show All Authors
Authors
  1. Shadnoush M1
  2. Santos HO2
  3. Hatami M3
  4. Norouzi M4, 5
  5. Taghavi M6
  6. Cerqueira HSC7
  7. Mojani Qomi MS3, 8
  8. Bakhshandeh H9
  9. Rahmani J10
  10. Javid Z11
  11. Zavaragh DSD12
  12. Mikaniki F13
  13. Chaharmahali A13
  14. Ghanavati M1
  15. Nazari M14
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), Minas Gerais, Uberlandia, Brazil
  3. 3. Department of Food Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  6. 6. Department of Nutrition, Islamic Azad University Olum Tahghighat, Tehran, Iran
  7. 7. School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
  8. 8. Nutrition and Food Sciences Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  9. 9. Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  10. 10. Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  11. 11. Department of Nutrition, Farhikhtegan Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  12. 12. Department of Infectious Diseases, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, lslamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  13. 13. Department of Internal Medicine, Farhikhtegan Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  14. 14. Department of Midwifery, Zeinab (P.B.U.H) School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

Source: Journal of Cellular and Molecular Anesthesia Published:2024


Abstract

Background:Spirulina is a functional food with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and immunomodulatory potential may improve certain clinical conditions in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Spirulina supplementation on clinical conditions in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Methods: A double-blind clinical trial randomized patients admitted to an ICU to receive either Spirulina platensis supplementation (5g/day, n = 97) or to a control group (n = 95). The severity of COVID-19 was assessed using the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE), National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score (SOFA). The study also evaluated the length of stay in the hospital and ICU, respiratory support at discharge, and 28-day mortality. In the survival analysis, 126 participants were evaluated (58 in the control group and 68 in the Spirulina group). Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in 28-day mortality (HR = 1.07, 95% CI 0.57 - 1.97) or NEWS2 (P = 0.76). However, the SOFA score significantly decreased in the Spirulina group compared to the control group (P = 0.03). The Spirulina group had a shorter ICU length of stay (7.43 ± 3.98 days) compared to the control group (10.00 ± 4.69 days, P = 0.007). The hospital length of stay was also shorter in the Spirulina group compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Spirulina supplementation reduced disease severity (as measured by the SOFA score) and shortened hospital and ICU length of stay in critically ill COVID-19 patients, but it did not reduce mortality. © 2024, Shadnoush et al.
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