[The effect of spiruline during nutritional rehabilitation: systematic review].
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the impact of spiruline on nutritional rehabilitation.


METHODS
Systematic search in medical and scientific databases (Medline, Cochrane, Embase) and other specific databases (PhD theses, reports...).


METHODS
We selected studies in which spiruline was used as supplementation in malnourished patients, irrespective of the form and dose of spiruline and in controlled trials or not. Two persons made the selection separately. Nutritional status was estimated by anthropometric and biological measures.


RESULTS
Thirty-one references were identified and seven studies were retained for this review; three randomized controlled and four non-controlled trials. Spiruline had a positive impact on weight in all studies. In non-controlled trials, the other parameters: arm circumference, height, albumin, prealbumin, protein and hemoglobin improved after spiruline supplementation. For these studies, methodology was the main drawback. None of the studies retained for analysis were double-blinded clinical trials and all involved small samples. Four of them did not have a control group for comparison.


CONCLUSIONS
The impact of spiruline was positive for most of the considered variables. However, the studies taken into account in this review are of poor-methodological quality. A randomized, a large-sized double-blind controlled clinical trial with a longer follow-up should be conducted to improve current knowledge on the potential impact of spiruline on nutritional rehabilitation.
Halidou Doudou
M
M
Pédiatrie A, hôpital National de Niamey, BP 238, Niamey, Niger. mhalidou2002@yahoo.fr
Degbey
H
H
Daouda
H
H
Leveque
A
A
Donnen
P
P
Hennart
P
P
Dramaix-Wilmet
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009752:Nutritional Status; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D053545:Spirulina; D013997:Time Factors