Title : Effect of supplementation of Spirulina platensis/sprouted corn porridge on the nutritional, hematological and immunological status of sickle cell patients
Abstract:
Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin which caused a high mortality in Africa. It has been reported in sickle cell disease a quite remarkable underweight, which could induce an immunological deficiency. Nutritional support therefore appears to be a promising alternative in the management of that disease. Spirulina platensis is a cyanobacterium frequently used as a dietary supplement and which has several protective properties. This study aimed to assess the effect of Spirulinaplatensis supplementation on body composition, hematological and immunological balance. We conducted a longitudinal and comparative study including 148 sickle cell patients diveided into 2 groups. One group was supplemented with Spirulina while the other receives corn and soy porridge for four months. Body composition parameters, biochemical, hematological and immunological markers were measured using standard methods before and after supplementation.
Our results demonstrated the reduction in seizure frequency (82%); pain intensity during attacks (82%), the frequency of hospitalization (52%), blood transfusions (38%) and the frequency of infections (47%). We found in both groups, an increase in average weight, BMI and body water of the patients after supplementation; ranging respectively from 31.07±1.681 to 31.6±1.712; from 16.62±0.331 to 16.91±0.358 and from 62.4±1.203 to 63.1±1.069 respetively. The increase in mean bone mass was noted only in the Spirulina group, ranging from 2.28±0.309 to 2.31±0.292. Regarding the other markers assessed a significant increase in the hemoglobin and red blood cell levels but a non-significant increase in the mean blood iron level. Also we found a reduction of inflammation through the significant decrease of average levels of CRP (from 19.73±2.941 to 7.83±1.049) and ferritin (from 479.95±21.021 at 476.71±19.397). Moreover; the supplementation demonstrated no side effects on liver and kidney organs because their markers remained in the normal values. Nutritional monitoring of patients as well as Spirulina supplementation improve body composition and hematological balance and reduce inflammation.
Keywords: Sickle cell anemia, Spirulina Platensis, Nutritional Balance and Immunological Balance.
