IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS) e-ISSN: 2279-0853, p-ISSN: 2279-0861. Volume 7, Issue 5 (May.- Jun. 2013), PP 11-15 www.iosrjournals.org www.iosrjournals.org 11 | Page “Effect of Spirulina on Anthropometry and Bio -Chemical Parameters in School Children” Dr.S.Ramesh 1 , Dr.M.Manivasgam 2 , Dr.S.Sethupathy 3 , Dr.K.Shantha 4 1 Professor & H.O.D of Pediatrics, Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Annamalai University 2 Medical Superintendent & Professor of Pediatrics, Velammal Medical College Hospital, Madurai 3 Professor & H.O.D of Bio-Chemistry, Annamalai University 4 Professor of Bio-Chemistry, Annamalai University Abstract: An experimental study was conducted to study the effect of spirulina on anthropometric parameters and the bio-chemical parameters before and after its use as nutritional supplement in school children. The study was conducted in a residential girl’s school in the age group between 11 to 13 years. Three capsules of spirulina were given during dinner time for 3 months. At the initial survey and at the end of 6 th month the anthropometric and bio-chemical findings were recorded. Blood samples were taken to analyse hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferrtin, serum zinc, serum protein and serum albumin levels at 0, 3 and 6 months. Result: There was a significant increase in anthropometric measurements and Hemoglobin, serum ferrtin, serum zinc, serum protein and serum albumin levels in the study sample after 6 months. Conclusion: The anthropometric and bio-chemical parameters improved after the use of spirulina. I. Introduction Each day around forty thousand children die because of severe malnutrition and related diseases across the world. Malnutrition disempowers and affects the lives of around 852 million people globally in a drastic way. According to the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO:1996), more than starvation the real challenge today is malnutrition and deficiency of micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids) that no longer allows the body to ensure growth and maintain its vital functions 1 . Children with the malnutrition and deficiency of micro nutritients are in greater danger of infections. To promote immunity and to improve the nutritional status it becomes imperative to give better nutrition and food supplement with greater calorific values. Spirulina offers remarkable health benefits to an undernourished children. It is rich in beta-carotene that can overcome eye problems caused by vitamin A deficiency 2 . It provides the daily dietary requirement of beta- carotene which can help prevent blindness and eye diseases 3 .The protein and B-vitamin complex makes a major nutritional improvement in an infant’s diet. It is the only food source other than breast milk containing substantial amounts of essential fatty acid, essential amino acids and GLA that helps to regulate the entire hormone system 1 . The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that spirulina represents an interesting food for multiple reasons, rich in iron and protein, it can be safely administered to children without any risk 4 . Advantage of spirulina is that it has 60% protein by weight that is higher than any other food source. It is the most easily digestible form of protein food especially important for malnourished people 5 . There are very many strategies that can be adopted for diet supplementation, which in turn contributes to immune ability of the children. In the present study, it was proposed to examine the effect of spirulina on the anthropometric parameters and the bio-chemical changes which increase the immune power as well as the growth of the children. II. Materials and Methods The study was conducted in a residential girl’s school at Parangipettai – Seva mandir 15km from Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital (RMMC&H). A preliminary meeting was held with the children and parents of the school in the presence of the school health officer. A team of doctors along with the HOD of Pediatrics, RMMC&H gave lectures on the importance of nutrition and basic hygiene. They also gave lectures on spirulina as a nutritional supplement. INCLUSION CRITERIA: All girls in the age group of 11 to 13 years were enrolled in the study. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Girls with systemic illness were excluded from the study. At the initial survey, all the anthropometric and clinical findings were recorded in a proforma. Initial blood samples were taken to analyse Hb, serum ferrtin, serum zinc, serum protein and serum albumin. They were given one table of albendazole. Three capsules of spirulina(each containing 300mg of pure spirulina) were