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The Effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) Supplementation on Anthropometric Indices, Blood Pressure, Sleep Quality, Mental Health, Fatigue Status and Quality of Life in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomised, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial Publisher Pubmed



Moradi S1 ; Zobeiri M2 ; Feizi A3 ; Clark CCT4 ; Entezari MH1
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
  4. 4. Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom

Source: International Journal of Clinical Practice Published:2021


Abstract

Background: An emerging body of evidence has highlighted the protective role of spirulina in human health. Thus, we conducted a randomised controlled trial to discern the effects of spirulina supplementation on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, sleep quality, mood, fatigue status and quality of life among ulcerative colitis patients. Methods: Eighty participants with ulcerative colitis were randomly allocated to receive, either, 1 g/day (two 500 mg capsules) spirulina (n = 40) or placebo (n = 40), in a clinical trial for eight weeks. Dietary intake, physical activity, sleep quality, mental health, fatigue status and quality of life were assessed for each participant at baseline and trial cessation. Anthropometric indices and blood pressure were also assessed. Results: Seventy-three participants completed the intervention. Our results revealed that spirulina supplementation significantly reduced sleep disturbances (P =.03), while no significant changes occurred in the sleep quality score or other sleep parameters, vs the placebo group (P >.05). Furthermore, a significant reduction in stress score (P =.04) and increase in quality of life (P =.03) was detected; but not anxiety, depression or fatigue scores (P >.05). Additionally, anthropometric indices and blood pressure did not significantly change (P >.05). Conclusion: An improved quality of life was observed among ulcerative colitis patients following spirulina supplementation, which could be attributed to improved sleep disturbance and stress status. Further clinical studies, with longer duration interventions and suitably powered sample sizes, are necessary to elucidate the veracity of our findings. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
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