Studies on the Long-Term Effect of Spirulina Supplementation on Serum Lipid Profile and Glycated Proteins in NIDDM Patients

Abstract

Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder, affecting the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Hyperglycemia is also associated with non-enzymatic glycation of serum proteins thereby enhancing the development of secondary complications affecting multiple organ failure. Ninety percent of the diabetics are non-insulin dependent and this syndrome can be effectively controlled with prudent diet therapy. This has spawned a new era of research leading to the use of few natural unprocessed foods like blue-green algae “Spirulina” which has a galaxy of nutrients like linolenic acid, gamma linolenic acid, antioxi-dants, balanced fatty acid profile, amino acids and super oxide dismu-tase. With these components in mind, the present study was planned to observe the long-term effect of spirulina tablet supplementation (2 g/ day) on blood sugar levels, serum lipid profile and glycated serum protein levels of 15 non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients. Blood analysis was done at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months interval and during the study period the patients were advised not to change their life style, dietary pattern and drugs. Supplementation for a period of 2 months resulted in a significant reduction of blood sugar levels and glycated serum protein levels, thus confirming the hypoglycemic effect of spirulina. Regarding the lipid profile, a significant reduction was observed in triglycerides, total cholesterol and free fatty acid levels. Among the lipoprotein fractions, appreciable reduction was noticed in LDL-C, VLDL-C and HDL-C/ LDL-C ratio. Thus it can be concluded that spray dried spirulina tablets which are rich in gamma linolenic acid, antioxidants, amino acid pattern, fatty acid profile and super oxide dismutase helps in reducing hyperglycemia and shifts the metabolism of lipids towards a favorable side thereby helping in the control of diabetes.