Potential of Spirulina Platensis as a Nutritional Supplement in Malnourished HIV-Infected Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Randomised, Single-Blind Study

Abstract

Background:Malnutrition is a major global public health issue and its impact on communities and individuals is more dramatic in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is compounded by widespread poverty and generalized high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Therefore, malnutrition should be addressed through a multisectorial approach, and malnourished individuals should have access to nutritional rehabilitation molecules that are affordable, accessible, rich in nutrient and efficient. We thus assessed the efficacy of two affordable and accessible nutritional supplements, spirulina platensis versus soya beans among malnourished HIV-infected adults.Methods:Undernourished patients, naïve of, but eligible to antiretroviral treatment (ART), aged 18 to 35 years were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups. The first group received spirulina (Group A) as food supplement and the second received soya beans (Group B). Patients were initiated ART simultaneously with supplements. Food supplements were auto-administered daily, the quantity being calculated according to weight to provide 1.5 g/kg body weight of proteins with 25% from supplements (spirulina and soya beans). Patients were monitored at baseline and followed-up during twelve weeks for anthropometric parameters, body composition, haemoglobin and serum albumin, CD4 count and viral load.Results:Fifty-two patients were enrolled (Group A: 26 and Group B: 26). The mean age was 26.4 ± 4.9 years (Group A) and 28.7 ± 4.8 (Group B) with no significant difference between groups (P = 0.10). After 12 weeks, weight and BMI significantly improved in both groups (P < 0.001 within each group). The mean gain in weight and BMI in Group A and B were 4.8 vs. 6.5 kg, (P = 0.68) and 1.3 vs. 1.90 Kg/m2, (P = 0.82) respectively. In terms of body composition, fat free mass (FFM) did not significantly increase within each group (40.5 vs. 42.2 Kg, P = 0.56 for Group A; 39.2 vs. 39.0 Kg, P = 0.22 for Group B). But when compared between the two groups at the end of the trial, FFM was significantly higher in the spirulina group (42.2 vs. 39.0 Kg, P = 0.01). The haemoglobin level rose significantly within groups (P < 0.001 for each group) with no difference between groups (P = 0.77). Serum albumin level did not increase significantly within groups (P < 0.90 vs. P < 0.82) with no difference between groups (P = 0.39). The increase in CD4 cell count within groups was significant (P < 0.01 in both groups), with a significantly higher CD4 count in the spirulina group compared to subjects on soya beans at the end of the study (P = 0.02). Within each group, HIV viral load significantly reduced at the end of the study (P < 0.001 and P = 0.04 for spirulina and soya beans groups respectively). Between the groups, the viral load was similar at baseline but significantly reduced in the spirulina group at the end of the study (P = 0.02).Conclusion:We therefore conclude in this preliminary study, firstly, that both spirulina and soja improve on nutritional status of malnourished HIV-infected patien...

Nutrition Assessment, Counseling, and Support Interventions to Improve Health-Related Outcomes in People Living With HIV/AIDS

“…Four of these studies were RCTs: three comparing one type of food supplement against another type of food supplement 18,25,26 and one unpublished report comparing 12 months of nutrition counseling alone to 12 months of nutrition counseling plus six months of food support (300 g/d of fortified blended flour). 15 The results from these four trials were mixed.…”

Algae for Africa: Microalgae as a source of food, feed and fuel in Kenya

“…Other studies on HIV and/or severe immune deficient patients showed an increase in body weight when supplemented with Spirulina as well as increased haemoglobin levels, which in turn reduced anaemia (Azabji-Kenfack et al, 2011a).…”

“…The long term use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can lead to insulin resistance, dyslipidemia as well as weight and fat changes (Azabji-Kenfack et al, 2011a). Although dietary supplements have proven successful in the treatment of insulin resistance, the WHO states that the cheap and easily available Spirulina could be highly beneficial as it has shown to better glycaemic control, lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure in diabetics.…”

Healthy Aging

“…NADPH oxidase overactivity in disorders had suggested that ample intakes of Spirulina may prevent and has therapeutic potential with respect to many vascular diseases (including atherogenesis, hypertension, and congestive heart failure), cancers, complications of diabetes, and a range of neurodegenerative, fibrotic, or inflammatory disorder. Oral administration of phycocyanin or of whole Spirulina has exerted central neuroprotective effects in rodent studies -an observation which strongly suggests that PCB can transit the blood-brain barrier [411][412][413][414][415][416][417][418][419][420][421][422][423][424][425][426][427][428][429][430].…”