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MEDICAL UPDATES
VOL. 1 Series No. MU001-2011
The Efficacy of Arthrospira platensis (Cellife
Powder) in Promoting Growth of Low Birth Weight
Infants; A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial
Rachelle Remigio-Castuera MD, Carina Cruz –
Quimbo MD, Felizardo N. Gatcheco MD, Lucilla
Naidas MD, Evelyn Fernando MD, Josephine Yuson-
Sunga, Belen Velasco MD, Capitol Medical Center
(2009)
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Fortification or supplementation of human milk
has been clinically proven to support growth of
low birth weight (LBW) infants. Unfortunately,
human milk fortifiers are no longer available
locally. Arthrospira platensis (CELLIFE POWDER),
a complete nutraceutical aims to be utilized as
a new supplement that can promote growth of LBW
babies.
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the efficacy of Arthrospira
platensis (CELLIFE POWDER) as an oral supplement
for 3 months on growth of all preterm low birth
weight infants.
STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:
Randomized Double Blind Controlled Trial in a
tertiary private hospital.
SUBJECTS:
60 preterm low birth weight infants (between
1000-2499 grams) with no congenital anomalies,
no sepsis and no contraindications to enteral
feedings.
METHODOLOGY:
Subjects were randomized to Arthrospira
platensis (CELLIFE POWDER) (n=30) and placebo
group (n=30). The infants were given the
experimental supplement or placebo 3x a day
(mixed with expressed breast milk or preterm
milk
formula) daily for 3 months. Weight, length and
head circumference of the subjects were measured
form baseline and monthly. Serum BUN and
creatinine were likewise monitored.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:
Descriptive statistics such as means, median and
percentages were used. Independent T-test
was used to determined significant difference
between the two groups. Level of statistical
significance was pegged a p=0.05 or 95%
confidence level.
RESULTS:
The baseline characteristics of the two groups
were similar. Both groups improved in all growth
indices after 3months as shown by p- values <
0.001. The mean
difference in weight was statistically
significant in those given with Arthrospira
platensis (CELLIFE POWDER) as compared to
placebo (1174 grams vs 791 grams) in the second
month and (1132 grams vs 832 grams) in the third
month as shown by p-
values= 0.003 and 0.01 respectively. The mean
difference in length and head circumference was
also statistically significant in the Athrospira
platensis (CELLIFE POWDER) group versus placebo
group (all p- values ≤ 0.05) from the first up
to third month of supplementation. Serum BUN and
creatinine were normal
pre and
post trial in both groups. No adverse effects
were reported.
CONCLUSION:
Arthrospira platensis (CELLIFE POWDER)
supplementation (1 sachet 3 times a day) for
three months is highly
effective and safe in increasing the weight,
length and head circumference of preterm low
birth weight infants.
KEYWORDS:
Low birth weight, preterm, Arthrospira platensis
(Cellife Powder), supplementation,
fortification. |
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