Effects of Spirulina Supplementation on Mental Health in Healthy Adults

NCT06936202 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: STUDY00021993
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Spirulina platensis is a form of cyanobacteria, a blue-green algae, and is a superfood most known for being rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, and healthful phytochemicals. Spirulina supports brain health through neuroprotection offered by its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and hormone regulation. The aim of this study is to supplement healthy adults from a campus community with 3g of spirulina, daily, for 8 weeks to improve mood and mental acuity in comparison to receiving a placebo.

Conditions

Depression; Mental Acuity

Keywords

spirulina; depression; mental acuity

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• POMS (profile of mood states questionnaire)

  A validated measure consisting of 65 brief phrases, asking how they have personally felt over the last week, including today. The participants were asked to carefully rate their response on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 'not at all' to 'extremely'.

  conducted at baseline and at week 8 (study's end)

• Trail Making Test

  The TMT consists of two iterations - versions A and B - and brief samples of each will be provided for the participant to practice prior to the longer, scored version. This is a timed paper and pencil test requiring the participant to connect a series of numbers and/or letters that are randomly arranged.

  conducted at baseline and at week 8 (study's end)

Study Arms (2)

spirulina capsules

EXPERIMENTAL

six capsules daily (totaling 3 g)

Other: Spirulina capsules

Placebo

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

Pea powder - 6 capsules daily

Other: Placebo

Interventions

Spirulina capsules OTHER

active intervention

spirulina capsules

Placebo OTHER

no active ingredient

Placebo

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 16 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• healthy adults
• ages 18-65
• no underlying chronic disease or acute conditions
• no autoimmune conditions
• do not consume alcohol in excess, smoke, use recreational drugs
• does not follow restrictive diets
• will be recruited from the ASU university campus.

You may not qualify if:

• not have been clinically diagnosed with depression
• not taking antidepressants, anxiety, or stress medications, or any other medications
• drugs, or supplements that could influence mental capacities
• not pregnant or breastfeeding
• not a competitive athlete

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Arizona State University: lead

Study Sites (1)

850 PBC

Phoenix, Arizona, 85004, United States

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Depression

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior

Central Study Contacts

Carol Johnston, PhD

CONTACT

16024962539; carol.johnston@asu.edu

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor and Senior Associate Dean

Model Details: This is a parallel arm, 8-week, randomized controlled study with an experimental arm and a control arm.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 12, 2025
• First Posted: April 20, 2025
• Study Start: April 15, 2025
• Primary Completion: May 1, 2026
• Study Completion: May 1, 2026
• Last Updated: August 19, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)