Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


FINAL THESIS.pdf (822.11 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Effects of Spirulina on Inflammation and Fatigue

McCarthy-Johnson, Morgan Alyssa
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397780605

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Human Ecology: Human Nutrition.
Background: Spirulina is filamentous blue green microalgae with a vast array of beneficial ingredients (1). Spirulina could lead to a decrease in inflammation as well as physical and mental fatigue. However, the amount of information in the literature is still limited. This randomized double blinded clinical trial addressed inflammation and fatigue in 37 participants. Methods: This IRB approved study enrolled 37 participants who were randomly assigned to either the placebo or the treatment arms of the study. There were 17 males and 20 females between 20 and 44 years of age. Twenty participants were randomized to the placebo group while 17 were randomized to the treatment group administered 3 grams of Spirulina per day. To understand the effects of Spirulina on mental fatigue, an Uchida-Kraepelin test (UKT) as well as a daily life mental fatigue test were administered and analyzed. To understand the effects of Spirulina on physical fatigue, distance and calories burned in 30 minutes were recorded and analyzed. To address the effects Spirulina has on inflammation, blood samples were taken at baseline and at the end of supplementation. C reactive protein was run on these samples as a marker for inflammation. Results: The physical fatigue data was numerically described using kilocalories and miles over a 30 minute period on a cross training elliptical machine. There was no significant change seen over time in kcals/mile in the placebo or the supplement group. However, there was a significant difference between the treatment group and the placebo group using an unpaired t test analysis in miles, kilocalories, and kilocalories/mile. The Mental fatigue test (UKT) test showed a significant change over time between the final day compared to the baseline in the treatment group but not in the placebo group. However, the unpaired t test showed no significant difference between the treatment group and the placebo group. The multi dimensional fatigue questionnaire filled out by participants at baseline, at the start of supplementation, and after 4-5 weeks of taking the supplementation showed a significant reduction in fatigue in the treatment group over the course of the study among men only. However, there was no significance seen among just women or in the entire group. The CRP inflammatory blood markers did not show a significant difference between the Spirulina and the placebo group. In addition, there was no significant change seen in the CRP levels over time in the treatment group. Conclusions:. In a small randomized clinical trial of healthy individuals, Spirulina supplementation at a dosage of 3 grams per day improved measures of mental and physical activity compared to placebo. However, there were no significant changes seen in the C Reactive Protein (CRP) inflammatory blood markers.
Robert Disilvestro (Committee Chair)
45 p.
Nutrition

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • McCarthy-Johnson, M. A. (2014). Effects of Spirulina on Inflammation and Fatigue [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397780605

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • McCarthy-Johnson, Morgan . Effects of Spirulina on Inflammation and Fatigue. 2014. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397780605.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • McCarthy-Johnson, Morgan . "Effects of Spirulina on Inflammation and Fatigue." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397780605

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1397780605
3,951
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.
Release 3.2.12