B) Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study wherein children 7 to 14 years old diagnosed with mild to moderate persistent asthma were randomly assigned to receive either Spirulina (1,000 mg to 2,000 mg daily) or placebo for three months. Asthma Control Test (ACT) and Composite Asthma Severity Index (CASI) were used for patient report-based measures. Forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were determined through spirometry. Post-supplementation assessment for three months was done.
C) Results: A total of 39 patients (Spirulina = 20, placebo = 19) were enrolled in this trial. During the supplementation phase, both the Spirulina and placebo groups showed significant improvement in ACT scores (Spirulina, P < 0.0001; placebo, P = 0.19) compared to baseline. There was no significant change in CASI scores in both groups. However, during post-supplementation phase, the Spirulina group showed significantly sustained improvement on both the ACT (P < 0.0001) and CASI scores (P < 0.0001) compared to placebo. The FEV1 (P = 0.014), FVC (P = 0.008), and PEFR (P = 0.0001) of the Spirulina group significantly improved by the end of supplementation. Overall, significant intergroup differences revealed only in FEV1(P = 0.0002) and PEFR (P< 0.0001).
D) Conclusion: Daily supplementation with Spirulina significantly improved asthma control, FEV1 and PEFR compared to placebo.