• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.295-300
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• 2008

Spirulina is a microscopic and filamentous cyanobacterium that contains essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidative components. The purpose of this study was to examine effects of spirulina intervention in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes. The subjects were 37 type 2 diabetic patients who visited a diabetic clinic in Seoul and randomly assigned into spirulina (8 g/day) or control group. During the intervention period of 12 weeks, subjects were asked to keep usual diet and prohibited to take any functional foods or dietary supplements. Spirulina supplementation for 12 weeks did not affect anthropometric parameters, however, lowered plasma triglycerides level significantly (p<0.05). Spirulina supplementation also resulted in a significant reduction in plasma malondialdehyde level (p<0.05) and an increase in plasma adiponectin level (p<0.1). The lipid lowering effect of spirulina supplementation was different according to serum lipid levels of the subjects before entering the intervention. The subjects with higher initial triglyceride level showed higher reduction in plasma triglyceride and blood pressure. The subjects with higher initial total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol level showed higher reduction in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, IL-6, and blood pressure. It seems that spirulina supplementation is more effective in subjects with dyslipidemia. This study provides the evidence for beneficial effects of spirulina supplementation on blood lipid profiles, inflammatory variables, and antioxidant capacity in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that spirulina is a promising agent as a functional food for diabetes management.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.161-166
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• 1995

To evaluate the nutritional values of Spirulina platensis as the protein supplement for laying heo diet, two experimental diets (Control, Spirulina platensis 2%) were prepared. Total 120, 40-wk old ISA Brown layer hens were randomly employed with 15 hens per replicate and 4 replicates per treatment. Hen-day egg production, egg weight, feed intake, intake /egg weight, egg shell thickness, yolk color score and yolk cholesterol content were examined during 6 weeks of experimental period. Hen-day egg production and feed conversion ratio (intake /egg weight) were significantly (P<0.01) improved by the 2% Spirulina plalensis supplementation. However, there were no differences in egg weight and feed intake between hens fed two experimental diets. Egg from hens fed Spirulina platensis 2% diet have more yellowish yolk color than the control egg although there was no difference in egg shell thickness. Yolk cholesterol content was significantly (P

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.287-297
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• 2003

This intervention study was performed to assess the effect of spirulina on lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in elderly Koreans. The subjects were 6 male and 6 female people between the ages of 60 and 75, who were given spirulina supplements of 7.5 g/day for 24 weeks. Dietary intake, anthropometric measurements and biochemical assessment for plasma lipid levels, antioxidant status and immune function were measured before and throughout the intervention period. Before entering the study, the subjects were in relatively good health. Their nutrient intake was satisfactory, and anthropometric indices and plasma nutrient levels were within the normal range. Spirulina supplementation for 24 weeks did not affect dietary intake and anthropometric parameters. However, considerable changes were observed in blood lipid profiles, antioxidant capacity, and immune indices. The plasma concentrations of triglycerides, total- and LDL-cholesterol decreased from 4 weeks of the supplementation period. The antioxidant capacity improved, as shown in increasing TAS and decreasing TBARS after supplementation. Improved immune function was also observed as the PBL lymphocyte proliferation rate and plasma C3 levels increased. The above effects of spirulina supplementation did not differ between mild hypercholesterolemic (cholesterol $\geq$ 200mg/d1) and normochole-sterolemic (cholesterol < 200 mg/dl) subjects. This study provided evidence that spirulina could be used as dietary supplementation in nutritionally vulnerable groups to improve nutritional and health status and to prevent chronic disease such as hyperlipidemia or oxidation-prone diseases. further studies in this area with various population groups are warranted.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 2013

A 10-week feeding trial was conducted to examine the effects of dietary spirulina and quercetin on growth, innate immunity, disease resistance and dietary antioxidant capacity in the juvenile olive flounder. Triplicate groups of fish (initial body weight, $2.9{\pm}0.01g$) were fed one of isonitrogenous (48% crude protein) and isocaloric (17.4 MJ/kg DM) experimental diets containing 0% spirulina (as a control), 3.4% spirulina, or 6.8% spirulina with or without supplementation of 0.5% quercetin (designated as CON, SP3.4, SP6.8, and SP6.8 + Q, respectively) at a rate of 3% body mass twice daily. Higher dietary antioxidant capacity was found with spirulina supplementation, and the highest value (P < 0.05) was obtained with SP6.8 + Q diet. At the end of the feeding trial, no significant effects were observed on growth performance, body composition and disease resistance against Edwardsiella tarda. Lysozyme activity was significantly increased by spirulina supplementation (P < 0.05), and the highest value was observed in the group fed SP6.8 + Q diet. Also, significantly higher respiratory burst activity (P < 0.05) was found in SP3.4 group. According to the results of this study, dietary supplementation of 3.4% spirulina may enhance innate immunity of olive flounder.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.261-266
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• 2006

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of paprika and spirulina as carotenoid sources with three different levels on survival and skin color development of swiri. Fish (initial mean weight 4.4 g) were fed the diets containing different levels of paprika (2, 5 and 10%), spirulina (5, 10 and 20%) and mixture of 5% paprika and 10% spirulina and without supplementation (con) for 9 weeks. Survival of fish fed diets containing the various levels of spirulina was 100% and higher than that of fish fed the other diets. Total carotenoid contents of the skin and fin in fish fed the diets containing the various levels of paprika and spirulina were higher than those in fish fed the control diet. Total carotenoid contents of skin and fin in fish fed the diets containing 5% and 10% paprika tended to be higher than that in fish fed the diet containing 2% paprika. Total carotenoid contents of fish fed the diets containing 10% and 20% spirulina tended to be higher than that of fed the diet containing 5% spirulina. The apparent color definition of skin and fin in fish fed the diets containing paprika and spirulina was better than fish fed the control diet. The results of this study suggest that dietary supplementation with paprika and spirulina can improve skin coloration of swiri.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.418-423
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Spirulina, a blue-green alga, is widely produced and commercialized as a dietary supplement with bio- and immune-modulatory functions. We have previously shown that spirulina had favorable effects on lipid profiles, immune functions, and antioxidant capacity in healthy Korean elderly. Despite favorable effect of spirulina supplementation, some sub-populations have shown a poor response to supplementation. Obesity is a factor related to poor-response. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the immuno-modulation, antioxidant capacity, and lipid-lowering effect of spirulina in obese and non-obese Korean elderly. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The subjects were 78 elderly aged 60-87 years. In a randomized double blind, placebo-controlled study, subjects were fed either placebo or spirulina daily, at 8 g for 12 weeks. Subjects were divided into the non-obese group and the obese group based on body mass index (BMI) criteria for Asians suggested by the International Obesity Task Force: $BMI<25kg/m^2$ (non-obese) and $BMI{\geq}25kg/m^2$ (obese). RESULTS: In the non-obese group, spirulina supplementation showed a significant lowering effect on plasma concentration of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, a significant increase in interleukin (IL)-2 concentration (P < 0.01) and a significant increment (P < 0.05) in IL-2/IL-6 ratio, and a significant increase in total antioxidant status level and a significant decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level. However, these effects were not observed in the obese group. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that blood lipid lowering and immune and antioxidant improving response for spirulina supplement was affected by obesity in Korean elderly.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.556-563
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• 2018

Objective: Spirulina has been recognized formerly as a filamentous spiral-shaped blue- green algae but more recently as a genus of photosynthetic bacteria (Arthrospira). This microorganism is considered as a rich source of essential nutrients for human and animals. The present study was conducted to determine potential application of Spirulina for heat- exposed broilers. Methods: Two hundred and fifty Cobb 500 chicks with male to female in equal ratio with average initial weight of 615.6 g at 17 days of age were divided into 5 treatments with 5 replicates of 10 chicks. Treatment groups were as follows: positive and negative controls with 0% Spirulina supplement and three Spirulina receiving groups with 5 g/kg (0.5%), 10 g/kg (1%), and 20 g/kg (2%) supplementation. Spirulina receiving groups as well as positive control were exposed to high ambient temperature at $36^{\circ}C$ for 6 h/d from 38 to 44 days of age. Biochemical variables were measured in serum samples at 35, 38, 42, and 45 days of broiler chickens age. Results: The results showed that supplementation of the diet with Spirulina decreased concentration of stress hormone and some serum lipid parameters while enhanced humoral immunity response and elevated antioxidant status whereas it didn't meaningfully affect performance characteristics. Nevertheless, feed conversion ratio was improved numerically but not statistically in broilers fed with 1% Spirulina under high ambient temperature. Conclusion: Overall, the present study suggests that alleviation of adverse impacts due to high ambient temperature at biochemical level including impaired enzymatic antioxidant system, elevated stress hormone and lipid profile can be approached in broiler chickens through supplementation of the diet with Spirulina platensis.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.8.1-8.8
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• 2015

Background: The demand for healthy, lean and consistent meat products containing low saturated fatty acid content and high quality polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially long-chain (${\geq}C_{20}$) omega-3 PUFA, has increased in recent times. Fat deposition is altered by both the genetic background and dietary supplements, and this study aimed to assess the effect of dietary Spirulina supplementation levels on the mRNA expression patterns of genes controlling lipid metabolism in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and Longissimus dorsi (ld) muscle of Australian crossbred sheep. Methods: Twenty-four weaned lambs belonging to four breeds under the same management conditions were maintained on ryegrass pasture and fed three levels of Spirulina supplement (control, low and high). In terms of nutrient composition, Spirulina is a nutrient-rich supplement that contains all essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It also is a rich source of carotenoids and fatty acids, especially gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that infer health benefits. After slaughter, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and ld samples were subjected to mRNA extraction and reverse transcription using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to assess the mRNA expression levels of the Aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), Adrenergic beta-3 receptor (ADRB3), B-cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) and Fatty acid synthase (FASN) genes, which are associated with lipid metabolism. Results: Both low and high Spirulina supplementation levels strongly up-regulated the transcription of all the selected genes in both SAT and ld tissues (mostly in the subcutaneous adipose), but sheep breed and sex did not influence the gene expression patterns in these tissues. Conclusions: The evidence indicates that high Spirulina supplementation level resulted in a decrease in intramuscular fat content in Australian purebred and crossbred sheep due to the enhanced production of melatonin in sheep muscle tissues and strong up-regulation of mRNA expression of BTG2 in SAT which negatively affected fat deposition. In contrast, low Spirulina supplementation level strongly up-regulated the ADRB3 and FASN genes responsible for fat production. These findings are consistent with the observed phenotypic data suggesting that low Spirulina supplementation level can increase lamb production, with higher long-chain PUFA content.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 2005

This study was performed to examine the change of lipid metabolism and immune function caused by antioxidant material in hypercholesterolemic elderly women (serum total cholesterol $\geq$200 mg/dI). The subjects were 51 elderly women aged over 60 yrs. They were divided into antioxidant nutrients complex group (n = 25) and spirulina group (n= 26). Antioxidant nutrients complex (1 capsule/day) and spirulina (7.5 mg/day) were used for intervention for 8weeks. All the subjects were fully informed the purpose of study and gave written consents to participate in this study. Dietary intakes, anthropometric indices and blood assessment for lipid, immune function and antioxidant status were measured before and after supplementation. Either antioxidant nutrients complex or spirulina supplementation for 8weeks resulted in improved antioxidant status evidence by increased TAS (total antioxidant status) and decreased TB-ARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) . This intervention led to decreased serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, oxLDL, apolipoprotein B, IL-6 and IL-6 production by peripheral blood lymphocyte. In conclusion, the lipid profiles, immune function and antioxidant capacity were improved after either antioxidant nutrient complex or spirulina supplementation for hypercholesterolemic women. Therefore, improving antioxidant status using supplemen-tation could provide means of controlling cardiovascular disease in Korean elderly people.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.290-299
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Spirulina is a known a functional food related to lipid profiles, immune functions, and antioxidant capacity. Circulating monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) level is associated with inflammation markers. Single nucleotide polymorphism in the MCP-1 promoter region -2518 have been identified and shown to affect gene transcription. Gene variation may also impact functional food supplementary effects. The current study investigated the interaction of MCP-1 -2518 polymorphism with spirulina supplements on anti-inflammatory capacity in Korean elderly. SUBJECTS/METHODS: After genotyping, healthy elderly subjects (n = 78) were included in a randomized, double blind, and placebo controlled study. Baseline characteristic, body composition, and dietary intake were measured twice (baseline vs. week 16). For 16 weeks, subjects consumed 8 g either spirulina or placebo daily. Plasma MCP-1, interleukin (IL) -2, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, complement (C) 3, immunoglobulin (Ig) G, and Ig A concentrations and lymphocyte proliferation rate (LPR) were analyzed as inflammatory markers. RESULTS: In the placebo group with A/A genotype, MCP-1 level was significantly increased, but the spirulina group with A/A genotype was unchanged. IL-2 was significantly increased only in subjects with spirulina supplementation. TNF-${\alpha}$ was significantly reduced in subjects with the G carrier. C3 was significantly increased in the placebo group, particularly when A/A increased more than G, but not when spirulina was ingested. LPR was significantly different only in subjects with A/A genotype; there was a significant increase in phytohemagglutinin and lipopolysaccharide induced LPR in the spirulina group. CONCLUSION: In healthy Korean elderly, spirulina supplementation may influence different inflammatory markers by the MCP-1 genotype. These results may be useful for customized dietary guidelines to improve immune function in Koreans.