A Scoping Review on Effectiveness of Spirulina Supplementation on Treating Obesity

Wong, May Chee (2021) A Scoping Review on Effectiveness of Spirulina Supplementation on Treating Obesity. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

The prevalence of overweight, obese and abdominal obesity among aged 18 and above increased drastically in 2019 to the year in 2011 in Malaysia. This situation is worrying, and prompt actions should be taken to raise awareness and encourage a healthy lifestyle to decrease obesity among the citizens. This scoping review examines the effects of spirulina supplementation on treating obesity. This study aims (i) to investigate how the spirulina or the component of it can be used as a supplement to reduce or cure obesity; (ii) to examine the effectiveness of the spirulina used as a supplement in controlling or curing obesity. PubMed was the only database to conduct this review study. Articles highly related to the topics were chosen based on inclusion, exclusion criteria and keywords set. Of all the articles obtained, the subjects experienced an improvement in their lipid profile, body fat percentage, waist circumference, appetite, insulin sensitivity, iron homeostasis, and interleukin-6. The effectiveness of the spirulina is mainly contributed by its bioactive component, namely phenylalanine, phycocyanin, gamma-linolenic acid and vitamin Bs. A comparison was made in the articles where different groups were assigned as with or without spirulina supplemented and with or without systematic exercise planned together. The effectiveness of spirulina seems to be higher when working with frequent training, which shows the potent of its synergistic effect. Although the researchers do not state the side effects of consuming, obese individuals with diseases such as gout, nephrotic syndrome and other kidney-related disorders should avoid the intake of spirulina. Overall, the result demonstrates the strong effect of spirulina in curing obesity and its comorbidities.