A type of blue-green algae that typically grows in brackish lakes in Mexico and Africa, spirulina is a supplement that's rich in minerals, proteins, vitamins and antioxidants. Spirulina is commonly used as a nutritional supplement, but early medical evidence has found that spirulina may have many other important uses in fighting infections and preventing diseases. You can find spirulina in powder or pill form, with a standard dosage of 2 to 3 g daily.
Supporting the Immune System
Spirulina powder can help to boost your immune system. The University of Maryland Medical Center cites several animal and test tube studies that found spirulina helps to increase the production of infection-fighting proteins in antibodies, particularly cytokines. But human clinical trials have failed to find immunity enhancement from other similar blue-green algae, such as chlorella, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Supplementing Protein
Spirulina contains high amounts of protein, with 62 percent of the algae comprising amino acids. Spirulina has been used in some parts of the world as a protein-rich nutritional supplement. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center points out, however, that spirulina is typically expensive and you can obtain protein much easier from more accessible and inexpensive food sources, such as nuts, grains, meats and legumes.
Protecting Against Allergic Reactions
Spirulina may help to protect against allergic reactions, as it inhibits the release of histamines in the body, which prevents common allergy symptoms like hives, swelling and runny nose, according to animal and test tube studies cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Preliminary studies suggest that spirulina can counter allergic reactions like hives and hay fever, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center agrees.
Fighting Infections
Spirulina may help your body to fight certain infections from viruses. "Test tube studies suggest that spirulina has activity against herpes, influenza and HIV," reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Animal studies have also indicated that spirulina may help to fight HIV infection, but no human clinical trials have been performed to confirm this potential action in people, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Treating Oral Cancer
Preliminary evidence indicates that spirulina may help to prevent certain cancers, reports the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The University of Maryland Medical Center cites placebo-controlled studies that found taking spirulina helped to reduce precancerous lesions called "leukoplasia" in people who chewed tobacco and were at risk of oral cancer. "The lesions were significantly more likely to disappear in the spirulina group than in the placebo group," the University of Maryland notes.
Protecting Against Liver Damage
Spirulina and other similar blue-green algae products may help to protect your liver from toxic chemicals. Preliminary medical evidence indicates that taking spirulina can help to prevent people with chronic hepatitis from experiencing liver damage and developing cirrhosis or liver failure, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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