Depression, Mental Acuity
Conditions
Keywords
spirulina, depression, mental acuity
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.
Interventions
OTHERSpirulina capsules
active intervention
OTHERPlacebo
no active ingredient
Sponsors
Arizona State University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Intervention model description
This is a parallel arm, 8-week, randomized controlled study with an experimental arm and a control arm.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
16 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* healthy adults * ages 18-65 * no underlying chronic disease or acute conditions * no autoimmune conditions * do not consume alcohol in excess, smoke, use recreational drugs * does not follow restrictive diets * will be recruited from the ASU university campus.
Exclusion criteria
* not have been clinically diagnosed with depression * not taking antidepressants, anxiety, or stress medications, or any other medications * drugs, or supplements that could influence mental capacities * not pregnant or breastfeeding * not a competitive athlete
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Countries
United States
Contacts
Primary ContactCarol Johnston, PhD
Outcome results
None listed