A recent study took a look at how a specific microalgae, Spirulina, interacts with biomarkers of glycemic control and glucose metabolism. The joint study conducted by Iranian scientists recorded biomarkers from humans, mice, and rats and how Spirulina supplementation affected them.
What exactly is Spirulina? Let’s take a quick look at both Spirulina and microalgae at large.
Microalgae is, simply put, microscopic algae. Not visible to the naked eye, microalgae is primarily found in water and on rocks. Microalgae produced oxygen with some estimates putting microalgae photosynthesis at ~50% of the earth’s atmospheric oxygen production.
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that has been used as a food source by both humans and animals. Spirulina algae is nutrient-rich and contains many essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Other properties of Spirulina, specifically as an aid to blood glucose-related issues, have only recently started to be researched.
Studies of the nutritional value of Spirulina as a regular part of the diet have been conducted in the past but modern research is focused on what other benefits Spirulina has on overall health.
The recent study of Spirulina and blood sugar by Iranian scientists noted strong results on fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels, among other benefits. The 12-year study observed pooled results including significantly lowered fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Further testing during the 12-year period was conducted over 2-month intervals and observed the effects of short-term Spirulina consumption. These shorter studies noted significant results on lower FBS, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
The study concluded that Spirulina may be a supplement that could benefit people with diabetes mellitus. As with all studies, however, more research will need to be conducted before conclusions can be reached regarding the best methods of using Spirulina as a dietary supplement or prescribed diabetes mellitus aid.
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