Abstract
Spirulina refers to two species of blue green algae (Arthrospira platensis, and A. maxima) consumed by humans as food for centuries. While, Spirulina has been shown to have immune enhancing properties in several animal and human studies, there are no systematic studies in dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of dietary supplementation with Spirulina in dogs. The study was conducted in two phases: Pre-test (8 wks.) and Test (42 wks.). Thirty adult dogs (mean 2.9 yrs.) were randomized into two groups and fed a nutritionally complete diet in the “Pre-test” phase. At the end of “Pre-test” phase all dogs received a rabies vaccine, and dogs in “test group” were switched to diet supplemented with dried Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina). Response to rabies vaccine was evaluated by Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT). Gut immune response was assessed by measuring fecal IgA. Gut microbiota was evaluated by Temporal Temperature Gel Electrophoresis (TTGE) methodology. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to test for differences between groups and statistical significance considered to be p < 0.05. Dogs fed diets supplemented with Spirulina demonstrated enhanced immune status by showing significantly higher vaccine response and higher levels of fecal IgA as compared to the control group. Supplementing diets with Spirulina also resulted in significantly increased gut microbiota stability in the test group. In conclusion, diets supplemented with Spirulina significantly enhanced immune response and gut health in dogs.
Highlights
Spirulina are planktonic blue green algae that grows naturally in warm alkaline lakes in subtropical and tropical areas of America, Mexico, Asia and Central Africa
In this study we have demonstrated that 0.2% Spirulina platensis powder supplemented in the diet of dogs was associated with significantly enhanced immune and gut health
Gut microbiota maintained enhanced stability following a challenging exercise in the Spirulina fed dogs as compared to the control group
Summary
Spirulina are planktonic blue green algae that grows naturally in warm alkaline lakes in subtropical and tropical areas of America, Mexico, Asia and Central Africa. It has been the traditional diet of some in Africa and Mexico for many centuries [1]. Spirulina has been recognized as having a unique nutritional profile with a very high protein content (60–70% of dry matter content), and being rich in vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid, as well as other bioactive components [4] This rich nutritional profile has earned Spirulina an endorsement from both the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space
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