Effects of Spirulina Supplementation on Mental Health in Healthy Adults

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Depression; Mental Acuity

• Registration Number: NCT06936202
• Lead Sponsor: Arizona State University

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

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.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Study Start: 2025-04
• Study First Submitted: 2025-04-12
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-12
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-12
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-20
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-20
• Primary Completion: 2025-08
• Study Completion: 2025-08

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 30

Inclusion Criteria

Healthy adults ages 18-65 with no underlying chronic disease or acute conditions, no autoimmune conditions, and who do not consume alcohol in excess, smoke, use recreational drugs or follow restrictive diets, will be recruited from the ASU university campus.

Exclusion Criteria

Participants will not have been clinically diagnosed with depression or take any antidepressants, anxiety, or stress medications, or any other medications, drugs, or supplements that could influence mental capacities. Volunteers are excluded if pregnant or breastfeeding because there is not enough data to confirm the safety of Spirulina in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Competitive athletes will also be excluded. -

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
POMS (profile of mood states questionnaire)	conducted at baseline and at week 8 (study's end)	A validated measure consisting of 65 brief phrases, asking how they have personally felt over the last week, including today. The participants were asked to carefully rate their response on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 'not at all' to 'extremely'.
Trail Making Test	conducted at baseline and at week 8 (study's end)	The TMT consists of two iterations - versions A and B - and brief samples of each will be provided for the participant to practice prior to the longer, scored version. This is a timed paper and pencil test requiring the participant to connect a series of numbers and/or letters that are randomly arranged.