Effects of Spirulina Supplementation on Mental Health in Healthy Adults

Overview

Spirulina platensis is a form of cyanobacteria, a blue-green algae, and is a superfood most known for being rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, and healthful phytochemicals. Spirulina supports brain health through neuroprotection offered by its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and hormone regulation. The aim of this study is to supplement healthy adults from a campus community with 3g of spirulina, daily, for 8 weeks to improve mood and mental acuity in comparison to receiving a placebo.

Spirulina is nutrient-dense with vitamins and minerals which provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory mechanisms to help reduce oxidative stress and ROS activity. Preclinical studies have indicated Spirulina can reduce inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, and reverse stress responses and oxidative damage in BDNF, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2), and ultimately the phosphorylation of protein-kinase B (AKT), which promotes cell growth. In addition to these benefits, fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and glycolipids, support gut health and the immune system. In combination, all these nutrients help increase neuroprotection and brain health. It is evident that Spirulina supports brain health through neuroprotection, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and hormone regulation. Research supports Spirulina reversing neurodegenerative diseases due to several of these beneficial properties. There have been many studies that utilize Spirulina to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, ulcerative colitis, IBD, fibromyalgia and even in TBI and Ischemic stroke. Although many of these diseases have depressive symptoms, few of these studies have evaluated the impact of Spirulina on mood. Furthermore, no studies have been conducted relating depression and the cyanobacteria. It is possible that Spirulina supplements can be used to reduce feelings of hopelessness and lack of energy, by providing additional vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids, on a daily basis. This study aims to compare spirulina and its improvement on mood, in health college students, by daily supplementation of 3g of Spirulina over a span of 8 weeks.