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Assessing the impact of Spirulina supplementation on the growth of children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

  • 2026-03-16
  • Frontiers in nutrition 13
    • Bijaya Kumar Mishra
    • Jaya Singh Kshatri
    • Bharati Kulkarni
    • Swagatika Pati
    • Harshita Dhusiya
    • Pritimayee Sethy
    • Tanveer Rehman
    • Aparna Mukherjee
    • Srikanta Kanungo
    • Sanghamitra Pati

Study Design

Type
Systematic Review
Population
children and adolescents (<18 years)
Methods
Systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines; searched five databases; random-effects meta-analysis using standardized mean differences

Background

Spirulina, a nutrient-dense blue-green microalgae, has been proposed as a sustainable intervention to combat undernutrition in children and adolescents. Despite its nutritional benefits, evidence regarding its impact on overall growth in this population remains limited and inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes the available evidence on impact of Spirulina supplementation on the growth of children and adolescents.

Methods

Following PRISMA (version 2020) guidelines, we systematically searched five databases [PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL and Google Scholar (till 16th July 2024)] for experimental studies published in English. Eligible studies assessed the impact of Spirulina supplementation on the growth of children and adolescents (<18 years), with growth-related outcomes such as changes in height, weight, etc. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were conducted independently. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using standardized mean differences (SMDs) to pool results.

Findings

Of 208 identified studies, 5 met the inclusion criteria, and 2 were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled SMD for weight changes was -0.526 (95% CI, -1.289 to 0.236), indicating no statistically significant effect (p = 0.176). Heterogeneity was substantial (I2 = 99%). Variability in intervention dosage, duration and adherence to supplementation contributed to the observed heterogeneity.

Interpretation

Spirulina supplementation did not show a statistically significant impact on growth outcomes in children and adolescents. Further high-quality studies are needed to explain its role as a nutritional intervention.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier: CRD4202457183.

Research Insights

  • Spirulina→Reduced Body Weight

    The pooled SMD for weight changes was -0.526 (95% CI, -1.289 to 0.236), indicating no statistically significant effect (p = 0.176).

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Moderate
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