Spirulina is a type of seaweed rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins, such as, vitamin K, vitamin B12, biotin, folic acid and beta-carotene. This freshwater algae is, according to Natural News, useful in strengthening the immune system and preventing cancerous cells from developing. Dr Genene Tefera's 2009 essay, Spirulina: The Magic Food, published in The Biodivesity Newsletter, listed the health benefits of spirulina, reporting that it helps regulate blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol, re-energizes, detoxifies and promotes weight loss. Although spirulina is generally considered as being a superfood, greater scientific research is needed to verify the various health benefit claims.
Beta-Carotene
In the publication "Earth Food Spirulina," Robert Henrikson, president of a key food algae company and director of the largest spirulina farm in the world, said that beta-carotene levels in spirulina are 10 times higher than levels in carrots. Henrikson also reported that 10g of spirulina supplies 23,000 IU, or 14mg, of beta-carotene, which is 460 percent of the U.S Daily Value of Vitamin A. Beta-carotene is a plant-based vitamin that converts to vitamin A once absorbed by your body. Henrikson reported that beta-carotene assists in reducing cholesterol levels and prevents the development of various cancers. Vitamin A is also important to eye health and is, according to Henrikson, central to the maintenance of mucus membranes and vital pigments for eyesight.
Vitamin K
Spirulina is comprised of chlorophyll, the green fluid pigment contained in plants that, according to Alternative Medicine Angel, is a rich source of vitamin K. This rarely heard of vitamin was discovered by Danish scientist Henrik Dam and can be found in two natural forms and one synthetic. "Earth Food Spirulina" reported that 10g of spirulina provides 200mcg of vitamin K, 250 percent of the U.S. Daily Value. Vitamin K is also present in a variety of green vegetables and is produced by your body's bacteria in the lower part of your bowels. Sufferers of osteoporosis can benefit from Vitamin K as it helps to calcify your bones and prevents atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries. Vitamin K also assists with the clotting of blood. The overuse of antibiotics or blood thinners such as aspirin can diminish vitamin K levels. Depleted levels of vitamin K can lead to bleeding disorders such as hematomas, heavy menses, bleeding gums and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Vitamin B12
According to Henrikson, spirulina is one of the richest sources of vitamin B12, rating higher than beef liver, sea vegetables and chlorella. Henrikson also explained the importance of vitamin B12 for the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow and nervous system. Vitamin B12 is stored in the body for several years, therefore deficiencies are quite rare, according to MayoClinic.com. Henrikson suggests spirulina as a benefit for vegan or strict vegetarian diets where vitamin B12 is lacking. Henrikson also clarified the importance of vitamin B12 for the production of red blood cells particularly in the bone marrow and nervous system. Ten grams of spirulina contains 20mcg of vitamin B12, 3030 percent of the U.S. Daily Value, according to Henrikson.
Although vitamin B12 is present in spirulina, there is uncertainty as to whether the body actually utilizes it. The Vegetarian Society reported that spirulina has B12 analogues, a compound structured similarly to vitamin B12, which it suggests actually competes with vitamin B12, inhibiting its absorption and possibly leading to vitamin B12 deficiencies. Further research is needed to fully determine the role of vitamin B12 in spirulina.
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