Rahman M H, Sikder M S, Maidul Islam Azm, Wahab M A.
Spirulina as food supplement is effective in Arsenicosis.
J Pak Assoc Derma Jan ;16(2):86-92.

Background Spirulina, a blue green vegetable algae, has been used as a significant food source by millions of people of all ages. It seems to be an ideal therapeutic supplement to strengthen immune system and fight problems associated with disease complex. Objectives To determine the benefit of spirulina in diet of patients with arsenicosis. Patients and method A total number of 40 patients affected with arsenicosis were selected and clinical examination prior to feeding trials was done. They were placed under two groups. In one group spirulina powder was fed to 20 arsenicosis patients and in another group the same number of patients was given placebo treatment. In post-fed groups patients were subjected to clinical examination for any changes after every 30 days for six months. Nutritional status of patients was assessed using mid arm circumference (MAC) value. Results The relationship between improvement respondents following spirulina intake with respect to age, sex, nutrition and social condition of patients exposed to arsenic contaminated water was revealed. About 62% females showed improvement in comparison to 58.3% males. Spirulina intake caused more improvement in patients of age group 15-35 years (66.66%) than patients of 35 to 55 years (50%). Improvement occurred in 71.42% in middle class, while in poor class this was 69.29%. Malnourished arsenicosis patients showed equal improvement as well-nourished patients. The overall response revealed that 60% patients showed considerable improvement with spirulina treatment and the result was statistically significant (X2=8.64 at p<0.01). In most cases the improvement occurred gradually and required about 6 months to become visible. The patients who followed doctors` advice and avoided drinking arsenic contaminated water and used surface water recovered early. Conclusion The study evidenced that arsenic-induced toxicity could be prevented by treatment with spirulina. The intake proved to offer health benefits for arsenicosis. It is advocated that spirulina should be made available and blended into fruit or milk drinks or added to recipes for arsenicosis patients to boost nutrition and provide health and energy.

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