Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation Using Spirulina platensis during the First 1000 Days is Positively Associated with Development in Children under Five Years: A Follow up of A Randomized Trial in Zambia

Abstract

Early childhood development relies on various micronutrients. We recently reported that home fortification of complementary foods using spirulina reduced the time to attain motor milestones in Zambian infants. The objective of this study is to estimate the long-term associations between spirulina supplementation during the first 1000 days and child gross motor development, fine motor development, language, and personal–social skills at preschool age. We used longitudinal data from a randomized trial conducted in Zambia. In 2015, 501 infants (age, 6–18 months) were provided daily supplements of maize-soy-based porridge with spirulina (SP) and without spirulina (CON). Supplementation period lasted for 16 months. In January 2018, children who participated in the initial trial were resurveyed (CON: 182 children; SP: 188 children; now aged 36–48 months). We assessed the infants’ gross motor development, fine motor development, language, and personal–social skills using a modified version of Malawi Development Assessment Tool. The initial clinical trial registration number was NCT03523182. Children in the SP group had higher scores in gross and fine motor development, language, and social skills than those in the CON group. Home fortification of complementary foods using spirulina during the first 1000 days improved development among Zambian children at preschool age.

Protective Effect of Spirulina platensis Extract against Dextran-Sulfate-Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats

“…Moreover, the protective effects achieved in the high-dose-HA-extract-treated animals were similar to those achieved by SSZ treatment. The protective effects demonstrated by Spirulina platensis can be attributed to its previously reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities [32,34,64,65], and possibly to its supplying the animals with trace nutrients required by the body for maintenance of redox homeostasis, nutrients which can be rendered deficient as a result of disease progression [21,22,34]. Importantly, Spirulina is a well-known rich source of antioxidant metabolites, including carotenoids such as β-carotene and zeaxanthin as major constituents [26,66,67].…”

“…The clinical use of cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis as a functional food and a nutritional supplement for human conditions is currently on the rise [19,20,21,22,23,24,25]. A recent systematic review highlighted both the safety and the ameliorative effects of Spirulina supplements on the components of metabolic syndrome in humans [20].…”

“…A recent systematic review highlighted both the safety and the ameliorative effects of Spirulina supplements on the components of metabolic syndrome in humans [20]. Interestingly, the consumption of Spirulina platensis supplements in infants during early life has been positively associated with better motor functional development and enhanced social skills [21,22]. In addition, a commercially available preparation based on Spirulina extract showed immunomodulatory effects in healthy volunteers [23].…”

Effects of different probiotic combinations on the components and bioactivity of Spirulina

“…Several clinical experiments have proved that long‐term consumption of Spirulina not only strengthens the body and improves immunity but also controls diabetes, rheumatism, hypertension, and other chronic diseases [3–5]. According to a long‐term follow‐up investigation, Spirulina plays a good role in promoting growth and development in infants [6].…”

Polymethoxy-1-Alkenes Screening of Chlorella and Spirulina Food Supplements Coupled with In Vivo Toxicity Studies

“…All in all, this highlights that exploring the presence of PMAs in commercially available microalgal supplements for human consumption is urgently needed. This is particularly important given the fact that these products are reported to be used by pregnant women [22], and some authors suggest that they may be beneficial during pregnancy and lactation as well as early childhood development due to their nutritional value [25,26]. In our previous research, we have successfully utilized nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry to screen PMA content in cyanobacteria A. gracile and R. raciborskii isolated from freshwater lakes in Poland.…”