NM04 - Effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Supplementation in Overweight Dogs Undergoing a Weight Loss Program

Abstract: Background: Spirulina has shown to have hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects in rats and humans.

Hypothesis/Objectives: Spirulina supplementation in overweight dogs undergoing a weight loss program will result in improved serum lipid profile and antioxidant capacity.

Animals: Forty client-owned neutered overweight (BCS ≥ 7/9) dogs were enrolled in the study.

Methods: Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Dogs received either Spirulina (S) (Livegreen Srl, Italy) or placebo (P) tablets in a body weight-dependent amount for 12 weeks, during which both groups were fed the same calorie-restricted diet. Dogs were weighed weekly and the calorie restriction was adjusted accordingly to ensure a 1% body weight loss per week. A blood sample was collected at baseline (T0), midpoint (T1) and endpoint (T2).

Results: Thirty-two dogs completed the study in full compliance with the protocol. No difference in body weight loss was detected between groups at T2 (P: -10.6%, S: -11.9%; p=0,229). After 12 weeks, in the S group average serum triglycerides significantly decreased from 104.28.9 to 65.98.9 mg/dl (p< 0.0001) and antioxidant capacity (BAP test) significantly increased from 2038155 to 2605155 M/L (p=0.027). Antioxidant capacity improved from 1988153 to 2730153 M/L also in the P group (p=0.014), whereas the decrease of triglycerides from 83.68.7 to 65.38.7 mg/dl was not significant (p=0.28). Significant reductions of serum total cholesterol, LDL and glucose were identified at T1 already, regardless of the supplementation received.

Conclusion and clinical importance: Spirulina enhanced the hypotriglyceridemic effect observed in overweight dogs attaining 10% weight loss.