Spirulina Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women

Menopause is defined as the spontaneous and permanent cessation of menstrual bleeding in women due to the loss of ovarian function. The onset of menopause brings about many physiological and psychological symptoms. Certain hormonal changes increase the risk of chronic diseases such as high waist circumference, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Spirulina platensis contains approximately 50-70% protein, 15-25% carbohydrates, 6-13% lipids, 4.2-6% nucleic acids, and 2.2-4.8% minerals by dry weight. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) constitute 1.5-2% of the total lipid content. It is rich in essential amino acids (especially leucine, isoleucine, valine), γ-linolenic acid (36% of total FDA), vitamins (thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, folic acid, cobalamin, C, D and E), minerals (potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc), pigments (chlorophyll a, xanthophyll, beta-carotene, echinone, myxoxanthophyll, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, diathoxanthin, 3-hydroxyechinone, beta-cryptoxanthin and ossilaxanthin, phycobiliprotein, C-phycocyanin, allophycocyanin) and enzymes (lipase, superoxide dismutase, etc.). Many of the beneficial effects of spirulina on health, which contains powerful antioxidants such as carotenoids, chlorophyll, and phycocyanin, stem from its antioxidant properties. Spirulina supplementation is considered effective as a therapeutic tool in the management of multiple interconnected metabolic abnormalities such as dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, obesity, and hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the effects of spirulina supplementation on weight gain associated with menopause, changes in metabolic parameters, sleep quality, and markers of depression in mildly obese postmenopausal women.

Inclusion criteria

• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Having a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9 kg/m²
• Having no chronic illnesses
• Being between the ages of 45 and 65
• Being postmenopausal
• Willing to consume the provided supplement
• Individuals who can read and write in Turkish and are open to communication.

Exclusion criteria

• Having a chronic condition such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, dyslipidemia, etc.
• Having a congenital metabolic disorder
• Being in the experimental group but not taking the supplement regularly
• Taking medication to lower blood lipids
• Having an allergy to any food
• Not being in the postmenopausal period