Hypolipidemic Effect of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima Supplementation and a Systematic Physical Exercise Program in Overweight and Obese Men: A Double-Blind, Randomized, and Crossover Controlled Trial

Abstract

Low-fat diets, lipid-modifying nutraceuticals and a higher level of physical activity are often recommended to reduce dyslipidemia. A double-blind, randomized, crossover, controlled trial was designed to evaluate the independent and synergistic effects of <i>Arthrospira</i> (<i>Spirulina</i>) <i>maxima</i> supplementation (4.5 g·day^-1) with or without performing a physical exercise program (<i>PEP</i>: aerobic exercise (3 days·week^-1) + high-intensity interval training (2 days·week^-1)) on blood lipids and BMI of 52 sedentary men with excess body weight. During six weeks, all participants were assigned to four intervention treatments (<i>Spirulina maxima</i> with PEP (SE), placebo with PEP (Ex), <i>Spirulina maxima</i> without PEP (Sm), placebo without PEP (C; control)) and plasma lipids were evaluated spectrophotometrically pre- vs. post intervention in stratified subgroups (overweight, obese and dyslipidemic subjects). Pre/post comparisons showed significant reductions in all plasma lipids in the SE group, particularly in those with dyslipidemia (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.043). Comparing the final vs. the initial values, BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were decreased. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in all treatment groups compared to C. Changes were observed mostly in SE interventions, particularly in dyslipidemic subjects (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <i>Spirulina maxima</i> supplementation enhances the hypolipidemic effect of a systematic PEP in men with excess body weight and dyslipidemia.