Spirulina and Phycocyanin are effective against anaemia and exhaustion in elderly people

Juil 7, 2020

phycocyanine molecule bioactive
The effectiveness of Spirulina and Phycocyanin in fighting against anaemia has been proven in a dozen clinical studies (randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled). Spirulina has proven effective in fighting against anaemia in all its form: extreme fatigue, low body weight, muscle development, blood cell count, iron level… In particular, Spirulina is known to have been successfully used for the rehabilitation of hundreds of children worldwide suffering from advanced anaemia resulting from malnutrition. This has also been demonstrated in elderly people suffering from exhaustion that’s often characteristic in cases of anaemia.

First, this remarkable effectiveness is linked to the very complete composition of Spirulina: it contains all the essential amino acids with a digestibility similar to that of eggs, all the B vitamins, 50 times more Beta-carotene than carrots, and is also a highly available source of iron. But these nutrients can also be found in other fruits and vegetables.

So what is unique to Spirulina? Two active components: Phycocyanin, and some very specific Polysaccharides. In two reference studies, the combination of the two has been shown to stimulate haematopoiesis, or the production of red and white blood cells. This is a key element in fighting anaemia and recovering from extreme fatigue.

Lastly, antioxidants are essential for maintaining the balance between physiological processes. They are necessary for faster recovery. In 2018, AlgoSource demonstrated for the first time, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, the antioxidant activity of a Spirulina-based extract: Spirulysat.

Spirulysat is unique because the extraction process uses no drying, no solvents, and no chemical products. Phycocyanin stays in its native state and retains its active properties.

All the references are in the document below. Your comments and feedback are welcome.

Spirulysat® antioxidant effects

In a clinical study conducted in 2018 on 80 people (double-blind, placebo-controlled, SPIROX, MERIEUX Nutrisciences), AlgoSource demonstrated the antioxidant effects of Spirulysat®. The impact of oxidative stress, as measured by the degradation of specific cells in urine, is decreased by 50%. That represents very significant relief for the organism, whose resources can be used more efficiently, with less fatigue.

L'activité antioxydante de Spirulysat

 

Spirulina in combating anaemia, importance of iron and vitamins

The two following studies dealt directly with anaemia:

  • Clinical experiences of administration of Spirulina to patients with hypochronic anaemia.
    by T. Takeuchi, et al. 1978. Tokyo Medical and Dental Univ. Japan.
  • Observations on the utilization of Spirulina as an adjuvant nutritive factor in treating certain diseases accompanied by nutritional deficiency.
    by V. Fica, et al. 1984. Clinica II Medicala, Spitalui Clinic, Bucuresti. Med. Interna 36 (3). Romania. (in Romanian).

Spirulina for the rehabilitation of children suffering from malnutrition

The following two studies have been well documented but there are also several others that have demonstrated the exact same results. The findings are particularly striking in children suffering from HIV/AIDS. Their recovery has been faster than with other solutions.

On Elderly people

Senior citizens often suffer from an unbalanced diet that leads to health issues, in addition to specific problems resulting from the ageing process. Spirulina was tested in the following two studies, which have provided interesting insights on its positive impact in supporting good health.

EPO like effect of Phycocyanin

Phycocyanin is not EPO, but it does have a similar effect on blood production. Both studies have documented the impact on blood stem cells. The structure of Phycocyanin is similar to that of haemoglobin. Furthermore, the antioxidant effects are related to the EPO-like effect and could explain the observed results.

  • Effects of polysaccharides and Phycocyanin from Spirulina on peripheral blood and hematopoietic system of bone marrow in mice.
    by Zhang Cheng-Wu, et al. April 1994. Nanjing Univ. China. Pub. in Proc. of Second Asia Pacific Conf. on Algal Biotech. Univ. of Malaysia. p.58. China.
  • Enhancement of proliferation and differentiation in bone marrow hematopoietic cells by Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis in mice
    Osamu Hayashi1,∗, Shoji Ono1, Kyoko Ishii1, YanHai Shi2, Tomohiro Hirahashi3 & Toshimitsu Katoh3
    1Department of Health and Nutrition, Kagawa Nutrition University, 3-9-21 Chiyoda, Sakado 350-0288, Japan;2Shanxi Cancer Research Center, Shanxi 030013, PR of China; 3Biochemical Division, Dainippon Ink &Chemicals Inc., Ichihara, Chiba 290-8585, Japan
    Journal of Applied Phycology (2006) 18: 47–56

Spirulina and Phycocyanin help to maintain the balance between physiological processes

Several studies have focused on the prevention of physiological disorders or the prevention of stress due to intense physical activity. They show a positive effect in maintaining the balance of fundamental physiological processes and demonstrate the role of Spirulina in supporting good health.

  • Clinical and experimental study of Spirulina efficacy in chronic diffuse liver diseases
    Journal Article TT – Kliniko-eksperymental’ne doslidzhennia efektyvnosti spiruliny pri khronichnykh dyfuznykh zakhvoriuvanniakh pechinky.
  • Effects of a Spirulina-based dietary supplement on cytokine production from allergic rhinitis patients.
    Mao T.K., Van de Water J., Gershwin M.E.
    Division of Rheumatology/Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, California, USA.
  • The hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation in a Cretan population with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a prospective pilot study
    Elias E. Mazokopakisa,b, Maria G. Papadomanolakic, Andreas A. Fousterisd, Dimitrios A. Kotsirisa, Ioannis M. Lampadakisa, Emmanuel S. Ganotakisb
    Naval Hospital of Crete, Chania; University Hospital of Heraklion; Technical University of Crete, Chania, Crete, Greece
  • Means to Normalize the levels of Immunoglobulin E Using the Food Supplement Spirulina.
    Evets L.B. et al Grodenski State Medical University, January 15, 1994 Russian Federation Committee of Patents and Trade, Patent Number: (19) RU (11) 2005486 C1 (51) 5 A 61K35/80.
  • Preventive effects of Spirulina platensis on skeletal muscle damage under exercise-induced oxidative stress.
    Sport Science Research Center, National Taiwan College of Physical Education,
    Eur J Appl Physiol. 2006 Aug 30;