Researchers at the University of Salerno in Italy explored how spirulina, a biomass derived from blue green algae, might influence blood sugar control and cholesterol levels. Their findings, published in a nutrition-focused publication, suggest that spirulina could play a role in improving metabolic health through diet and supplementation.
The study is a synthesis of prior work, examining multiple scientific investigations on spirulina’s beneficial properties. The researchers aimed to clarify how this dietary supplement interacts with blood glucose management and lipid profiles, concentrating on how it could affect cardiovascular risk factors over time.
Evidence from the review indicates that spirulina may help reduce fasting blood sugar levels, which could contribute to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. While the exact biological mechanism remains under investigation, scientists speculate that spirulina might influence insulin release from pancreatic beta cells and support the movement of glucose from the bloodstream into peripheral tissues for energy use. This could help stabilize glucose levels after meals and support overall metabolic regulation.
In addition, the review notes that spirulina appears capable of lowering the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the body. LDL cholesterol is often labeled the bad cholesterol because high levels can promote plaque formation on artery walls, raising cardiovascular risk. Importantly, the positive LDL effect seems not to depend on dose, and spirulina has not shown toxicity at higher intake levels in the available studies. This supports its potential role as a safe dietary supplement when used within recommended guidelines.
Despite these promising signals, the researchers acknowledge that the optimal daily amount of spirulina remains undetermined. They emphasize the need for standardized dosing and timing to maximize benefits, and call for more high-quality, controlled research to establish clear guidelines for use in diverse populations.
There is also a cautionary note about supplement safety in other contexts. For instance, prior discussions highlighted unexpected dangers of taking fish oil during pregnancy, reminding readers that supplement choices should be made with medical advice and verified safety data in mind. Source: Journal of Nutrition.