Big effect
Spirulina dropped body weight by nearly 3 kg in a 12-week trial — but the volunteers all had multiple sclerosis.
This is an intriguing first look at spirulina for weight in a very specific clinical population; the effect is large and well-measured, but the results may not apply to healthy people looking to lose weight.
In a triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 80 people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who took 1 gram of spirulina daily for 12 weeks lost an average of 2.85 kg more than the placebo group — a modest but statistically significant drop. The same study also found that spirulina reduced inflammatory markers (IL-1β and IL-6) and improved several quality-of-life measures like energy and physical function, though emotional well-being and health distress didn't budge. Because this is one of the first studies on spirulina for weight, and it enrolled only MS patients, the finding needs replication in broader populations before it can be generalized.
Where this fits in the evidence
This is among the first studies we've indexed on Seaweed for Reduced Body Weight — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.
The study
- Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
- n = 80
- 2025-08-28
- Nutrition journal
This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.