Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris Consumption on Iron Status: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Studies

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) affects over two billion people globally and is often treated with conventional iron supplements, which frequently have poor tolerability and limited bioavailability. This systematic review examines the potential of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) and Chlorella vulgaris as alternative, bioavailable iron sources. A systematic search was conducted by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, identifying 32 in vivo studies (7 human, 25 animal) that evaluated iron-related outcomes of microalgae supplementation. Both A. platensis and C. vulgaris improved hematological parameters, including hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and red blood cell counts. A. platensis showed more vigorous erythropoietic activity, while C. vulgaris enhanced antioxidant defenses, increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and reducing lipid peroxidation. Both microalgae reduced inflammation-induced hepcidin levels, thereby supporting improved iron absorption. No significant adverse effects or organ toxicity were reported in any of the included studies. A. platensis and C. vulgaris are safe and effective microalgal supplements that enhance iron status and antioxidant defense, presenting promising alternatives to conventional iron therapy. However, longer-term human clinical trials are needed to validate these findings and determine optimal dosing strategies.