Effectiveness of an Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) Softgel Supplementation on Sleep Quality, Mental Health Status, and Body Mass Index in Mild to Moderately Severe Depression Adults: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) has been recognized for its diverse benefits to human health. Currently, stress and sleep disorders are prevalent and increasing annually worldwide. This study aimed to conduct a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of Spirulina on sleep quality, mental health status, and body mass index (BMI) measurements in adults with mild to moderately severe depression. Sixty-six participants with mild to moderately severe depression were randomly assigned to receive either 2 g/day of Spirulina (two 1000 mg capsules) (n = 33) or a placebo (n = 33) for 8 weeks. Assessments conducted at baseline, week 4, and the end of the intervention included General Interview Questionnaires (GIQ), BMI, pulse and blood pressure measurements, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI). Sixty-three participants completed the trial. Adherence to supplementation was high, with two participants in the Spirulina group reporting missed doses for one day and 3 days, respectively. Out of 66 participants, three from the control group dropped out by the end of the study. Analysis using repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant difference in PSQI scores in the experimental group from baseline to 8 weeks, with the mean score decreasing from 7.03 ± 3.52 to 4.97 ± 1.98. The control group's mean score decreased from baseline to week 4, followed by a slight increase by week 8. Comparing the experimental and control groups at week 8, the mean PSQI scores differed significantly, with 4.97 ± 1.98 and 6.73 ± 2.69 (95% CI [−2.945, −0.582], p = 0.004). Significant differences were found in sleep quality and sleep latency between the groups, with scores of 0.82 ± 0.58 and 1.33 ± 0.61 (95% CI [−0.815, −0.215], p = 0.001) and 0.79 ± 0.70 and 1.33 ± 0.71 (95% CI [−0.900, −0.191], p = 0.003), respectively. Both groups showed statistically significant decreases in DASS-21 scores. The experimental group exhibited gradual reductions across all assessments (19.27 ± 13.09, 14.24 ± 10.13, 11.58 ± 8.19) at p < 0.05. Conversely, the control group saw an increase in mean scores by week 8 (15.43 ± 9.18, 12.57 ± 9.83, 12.63 ± 10.50). BMI indices and blood pressure exhibited no statistically significant changes (p > 0.05). Sleep quality, sleep latency, and mental health improved after Arthrospira platensis daily softgel supplementation. Further clinical studies, potentially conducted over extended periods, could provide additional support for the trends observed in this study.