Spirulina, a type of blue-green algae used as a nutritional supplement and medicinal remedy, come in several different forms, including powders and tablets, but the benefits of the remedy don't appear to vary among the different types. Before you begin taking spirulina powder or tablets for any health purpose, consult your doctor to discuss the correct dosage and possible dangers.
Function
Spirulina contain many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, including protein, B-vitamins, beta-carotene, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, gamma-linolenic acid -- GLA -- and zinc, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In addition to their high nutrient content, spirulina appear to have potential immune system-enhancing, anticancer and cholesterol-lowering actions. Spirulina may act to protect the liver, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your body, and fight viral infections such as herpes, HIV and the flu, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center website. The remedy might offer antihistamine effects as well.
Types
Spirulina typically come in the forms of flakes, powder, capsules or tablets, according to the University of Michigan Health System. If you're taking spirulina as a nutritional supplement -- specifically for their protein content -- you'll find that you have to take a large number of tablets to get a sufficient amount of protein, states the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dried spirulina, however, contains up to 70 percent protein by weight, but the tablets and powder feature comparable levels of protein content.
Benefits
Spirulina powder and tablets are normally used for nutritional support, but they may also help in treating fibromyalgia, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Additionally, spirulina may support your immune system, treat allergic reactions and fight viral infections, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center website. You might also take spirulina powder or tablets to help protect your liver from damage and cirrhosis. No conclusive medical research supports the use of spirulina for any of these health benefits, however.
Potential
Spirulina powder or tablets could have the potential to treat oral cancer, antibiotic-induced diarrhea and high cholesterol, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. You could also benefit from taking spirulina if you're trying to lose weight. Spirulina and other types of blue-green algae may possibly have some uses in suppressing appetite, treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- ADHD -- and easing fatigue, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Warning
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have phenylketonuria -- PKU -- or an autoimmune disease such as lupus, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, you shouldn't take any form of spirulina, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center website. Spirulina may interact negatively with certain medications used to suppress your immune system, such as Humira, Remicade, methotrexate, Enbrel and prednisone. Spirulina may contain poisonous substances, such as anatoxin and toxic heavy metals like mercury, because the algae absorb these from their environment, cautions the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. If the spirulina are grown in contaminated water, the plants may absorb and concentrate the toxins, causing potential adverse health effects after you ingest the supplement. To minimize your risk for toxin exposure, select spirulina products made by reputable manufacturers and limit your intake of spirulina to no more than 50 g per day.
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