Researchers tested whether a supplement made from spirulina (a type of green algae) could help people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), a condition where the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord. Eighty patients took either spirulina or a fake pill for 12 weeks. The spirulina group showed lower levels of inflammation markers in their blood and reported improvements in physical energy, how well their bodies worked, and sexual function. While these results are encouraging, the study was relatively small and short, so more research is needed before doctors can recommend it as a standard treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether taking spirulina (a nutrient-rich green algae) could reduce inflammation and improve quality of life in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
  • Who participated: 80 adults with relapsing-remitting MS (a type of MS where symptoms come and go). Half took spirulina pills daily, and half took fake pills. Sixteen people dropped out during the study.
  • Key finding: People taking spirulina had significantly lower levels of two inflammation markers (IL-1β and IL-6) in their blood compared to the placebo group. They also reported feeling more energetic, better physical function, and improvements in sexual function. The spirulina group also lost about 2.8 kg (6 pounds) more weight than the placebo group.
  • What it means for you: Spirulina may help reduce inflammation and improve some quality-of-life measures in MS patients, but it’s not a cure and shouldn’t replace standard MS medications. More research is needed before doctors can confidently recommend it. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the best ways to test if something actually works. Researchers randomly assigned 80 MS patients into two groups: one group took 1 gram of spirulina powder daily, and the other took a placebo (fake pill) that looked identical. Neither the patients nor the researchers knew who was taking the real supplement—this is called “triple-blind” and helps prevent bias. The study lasted 12 weeks, and researchers measured inflammation markers in the blood and asked patients about their quality of life using a standard questionnaire.

The researchers used a statistical method called “intention-to-treat analysis,” which means they counted all 80 patients in their final results, even the 16 who dropped out. This approach is more realistic because it reflects what happens in real life when some people stop taking supplements. They measured two main inflammation markers (IL-1β and IL-6) using a lab test called ELISA, which detects specific proteins in the blood.

Using a randomized, placebo-controlled design is important because it helps prove that any improvements are actually from the spirulina and not from other factors like the placebo effect or natural changes in the disease. The triple-blind approach (where patients, doctors, and researchers don’t know who gets the real supplement) prevents expectations from influencing the results. Testing both blood markers and quality of life gives a complete picture of whether the supplement actually helps people feel and function better.

This study has several strengths: it used a placebo control group, was properly randomized, and was triple-blinded. However, there are some limitations to consider: the study was relatively short (only 12 weeks), the sample size was small (80 people), and 20% of participants dropped out. The study was conducted in Iran and published in 2025, so it’s recent research. The researchers followed good scientific practices and registered the trial before starting, which increases credibility.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that spirulina significantly reduced two key inflammation markers in the blood. People taking spirulina had lower levels of IL-1β (a protein that triggers inflammation) and IL-6 (another inflammation-promoting protein) compared to those taking placebo. These reductions were statistically significant, meaning they’re unlikely to have happened by chance.

Beyond inflammation, people taking spirulina reported several quality-of-life improvements. They felt more energetic, their physical function improved (meaning they could do more physical activities), and they experienced improvements in sexual function. They also reported better overall health perception—basically, they felt healthier even though their MS diagnosis hadn’t changed.

The spirulina group also lost more weight than the placebo group (about 2.8 kg or 6 pounds more), though this wasn’t a huge difference. Their BMI (a measure of body weight relative to height) showed a trend toward improvement, but this wasn’t quite statistically significant.

Importantly, not everything improved. Emotional wellbeing, mental health, cognitive function (thinking and memory), and social function didn’t show significant improvements. This suggests spirulina may help with physical aspects of quality of life more than mental or emotional aspects.

Weight loss was a secondary finding that reached statistical significance. The spirulina group lost an average of 2.85 kg more than the placebo group over 12 weeks. However, this weight loss didn’t appear to come from changes in how much people ate or how much they exercised—both groups reported similar eating and exercise habits. This suggests the weight loss might be related to spirulina’s effects on metabolism or inflammation rather than behavior changes.

Interestingly, improvements in sexual function were among the most notable quality-of-life improvements, with a larger effect size than other measures. This is noteworthy because sexual dysfunction is a common but often overlooked problem in MS patients.

The study found no significant changes in waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio, suggesting the weight loss was distributed throughout the body rather than concentrated in one area.

This study builds on previous research showing that spirulina has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Spirulina contains compounds like phycocyanin and phenolic compounds that have been shown in lab studies to reduce inflammation. This trial is one of the first to test whether these lab findings actually translate to real health benefits in MS patients. Previous studies on spirulina have looked at other conditions, so this research extends our understanding to neurological diseases. The findings align with the theory that reducing inflammation could help MS patients, since inflammation is a key driver of MS symptoms.

Several important limitations should be considered. First, the study was only 12 weeks long, so we don’t know if the benefits last longer or if they continue to improve over time. Second, the sample size of 80 people is relatively small for a clinical trial—larger studies would give more confidence in the results. Third, 20% of participants dropped out, which could affect the results if the people who quit were different from those who stayed. Fourth, the study only measured inflammation markers and quality of life; it didn’t measure whether spirulina actually slowed MS progression or prevented relapses. Finally, this was a single study from one country, so the results need to be confirmed by other independent researchers before we can be very confident.

The Bottom Line

Based on this study, spirulina may be worth discussing with your neurologist if you have relapsing-remitting MS, but it should not replace your standard MS medications. The evidence is moderate—this is one well-designed study showing benefits, but we need more research before making strong recommendations. If you’re interested in trying spirulina, start with a conversation with your doctor about whether it’s appropriate for you and whether it might interact with your current medications. A typical dose in this study was 1 gram daily, but always follow your doctor’s guidance.

This research is most relevant to people with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), which is the most common type of MS. People with other types of MS (progressive forms) may or may not benefit similarly, since this study only tested RRMS patients. People interested in natural approaches to managing inflammation or those looking for ways to improve energy and physical function alongside their standard MS treatment should pay attention to this research. However, people taking blood-thinning medications or those with certain allergies should check with their doctor before trying spirulina. This research is less relevant to people without MS or those with other neurological conditions, though some of spirulina’s general anti-inflammatory properties might apply more broadly.

In this study, researchers measured changes after 12 weeks of daily spirulina supplementation. This suggests that if spirulina is going to help, you might expect to notice some benefits within 3 months. However, individual responses vary—some people might notice improvements sooner, while others might take longer. The inflammation markers (which doctors measure in blood tests) showed changes within 12 weeks, but quality-of-life improvements might take longer to become noticeable in daily life. Don’t expect dramatic changes; the improvements in this study were modest but meaningful.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily spirulina supplementation (yes/no) and rate your energy level each day on a scale of 1-10. Also note any changes in physical function, such as how far you can walk or how many stairs you can climb without stopping. This creates a simple personal record to see if the supplement correlates with your energy and physical abilities over weeks and months.
  • Set a daily reminder to take spirulina at the same time each day (such as with breakfast) to build consistency. Log this in your app to track adherence. Also log weekly check-ins about how you’re feeling physically—energy levels, ability to do daily activities, and any changes in symptoms. This helps you notice patterns that might not be obvious day-to-day.
  • Create a weekly summary view showing your spirulina adherence percentage and average energy rating. Compare these metrics month-to-month to see if there are trends. If you’re working with a doctor, you could share these app-tracked trends at your appointments. Set a 12-week checkpoint to formally assess whether you’ve noticed meaningful improvements in energy, physical function, or other quality-of-life measures. If benefits aren’t apparent by then, discuss with your doctor whether continuing makes sense for you.

This research suggests spirulina may help reduce inflammation and improve some aspects of quality of life in people with relapsing-remitting MS, but it is not a cure and should not replace standard MS medications prescribed by your neurologist. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take other medications, have allergies, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. This study was 12 weeks long in 80 people, so larger and longer studies are needed to confirm these findings. Individual results may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you experience any adverse effects from spirulina, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately.