MEDICAL UPDATES

 VOL. 1 Series No. MU003-2011

A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial On The Effect Of Arthrospira platensis  (Cellife Powder) On The Anthropometric Parameters Of Mild To Moderately Wasted Infants  6 -24 Months Old

Rowena A. Pua,M.D., Felizardo N. Gatcheco, M.D., Josephine Dy, M.D Department of Pediatrics, St. John Hospital, Calamba, Laguna, Philippines

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Undernutrition is still a big problem among Filipino infants and children. Nutritional supplements may have a role in the alleviation of this problem. The use of Arthrospira platensis (Cellife Powder) which is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals may be of help.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of Arthrospira platensis (Cellife Powder) at 1 sachet (60mg) 4 times a day for 1month versus placebo given to infants 6 to 24 months old with mild to moderate undernutrition.

METHODOLOGY: After informed consent was elicited infants 6 to 24 months old with mild to moderate undernutrition were randomized to Arthrospira platensis (Cellife Powder) 60mg 4 times a day for 1 month or to the placebo group. Anthropometric parameters like weight, length and mid-arm circumference were monitored at baseline, on the 2^nd week and at the 4^th week of the trial. Caloric intake were likewise monitored.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics, independent T-test and repeated measures were used to determine difference in the outcomes. Level of statistical significance was pegged at 0.05. Adverse events were reported as proportions.

RESULTS: 48 subjects were randomized to the Arthrospira platensis (Cellife Spirulina) Group while 51 were randomized to the placebo group. There were no significant differences in the baseline parameters between the 2 groups. After 2 weeks the Arthrospira platensis (Cellife Powder) group had a 950 g increase in their weight while only 280 g in the placebo group (p 0.0001). After 4 weeks the Arthrospira platensis (Cellife Powder) group had a 1.5 kg increase vs 670 g increase in the placebo group (p.0001). With regard the length, after 2 weeks there was a 1.49 cm increase in the Arthrospira platensis (Cellife Powder) group vs 0.62 cm increase in the placebo group (p 0.001). After 4 weeks the increase was 2.72 cm in the Arthrospira platensis (Cellife Powder) groups vs 1.29 cm in the placebo group (p 0.0001). With regard the MAC, on the 2^nd week the increase in the Arthrospira platensis (Cellife Powder) group was 1.22mm vs 0.36 mm in the placebo group (p 0.0001). On the 4^th week, the increase was 2.22mm in the Arthrospira platensis (Cellife Powder) group while 0.90 mm in the placebo group (p 0.0001). There was a 150 kcal increase in the caloric intake after 2 weeks in the Arthrospira platensis (Cellife Powder) group vs 25 kcal in the placebo group (p 0.0001). After 4 weeks, there was a 830 kcal increase in Arthrospira Platensis (Celilife Powder) group vs 60 kcal increase in the placebo group (p 0.0001). No adverse events were noted in either group during the trial.

CONCLUSION: There was significant improvement in the weight, length, MAC and caloric intake of infants given Arthrospira platensis  (Cellife Powder) vs those who received placebo. No adverse events were noted in either group.

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