The Effect of Supplementation with Spirulina Platensis Algae on SerumVascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and lipid profile in Obese Individuals

Abstract

Aim: In recent years, a great attention has been paid to Spirulina platensis as a source of potential remedy for prevention and treatment of some diseases. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of Spirulina platensis on serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) as well as lipid profile among Iranian obese adolescents without dyslipidemia. Material and methods: The current study was a double blind randomized controled trial, performed on 56 obese teenagers without dyslipidemia. Intervention group contained 29 persons (5 males, 24 females) that received 1gr oral spirulina for 12 weeks. Also Placebo group contained 27 person (4 males, 23 females). Serum levels of VEGF and lipid profile were measured before and after the study. Anthropometric variables, dietary intake of macronutrients and physical activity were also assessed before and 12 weeks after the onset of the study. Statistical analysis were done using SPSS ver. 19. Results: Between group statistical analysis showed spirulina supplementation had no significant effects on serum levels of VEGF (P>0.05). The current study also revealed spirulina supplementation had no significant effects on TG, LDL-C and HDL-C (P>0.05), but intra-group statistical analysis showed current supplementation could significantly reduce TC in the intervention group (P<0.05). After controlling confounders, the results showed oral administration of spirulina could reduce BMI in the intervention group compared with control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Considering current study results, spirulina platensis supplementation had an effective role in BMI reduction and lack of effectiveness of the intervention on lipid profile on the study subjects, spirulina platensis could be an implication for weight loss in obese subjects but introducing the supplement for allivation of lipid profile in obese patients could not be a good implication