The dietary supplement spirulina has historically been used as a nutritious food source and health aid. Recent scientific research suggests that this warm-water algae contains high levels of antioxidant nutrients and phytochemicals that can boost human health. NASA scientists have indicated that spirulina could be an ideal food for astronauts on future space missions.
Description
Spirulina is a kind of blue-green algae, or cyanobacterium. There are a few different species, but the most popular are Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis. To produce commercial spirulina supplements, the algae is grown in a laboratory, dried or freeze-dried and processed into flake, powder or pill form. Much of the commercial spirulina produced comes from Mexico and California. Spirulina is usually taken in doses of 2 to 3 g daily.
Usage
Clinical trials on humans are lacking, but laboratory and animal studies have indicated that it may be useful for a variety of conditions. Spirulina has antiviral and antibacterial activity in the lab and may boost immune function by increasing antibody production in the body. Another potential use of spirulina is for preventing allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, since laboratory studies have indicated that spirulina blocks the release of histamines. One small 2001 study reported in the "Journal of Nutraceutical Functional Medical Foods" found improvement in people with bronchial asthma who took spirulina for a period of two months.
Nutrition
About 62 percent of the mass of spirulina is made up of protein. Because it contains all the amino acids necessary for life, spirulina is considered a complete protein. This blue-green algae also contains many micronutrients, including vitamin E, vitamin B12, manganese, zinc, potassium, copper, iron and selenium. The iron in spirulina is highly bioaccessible, unlike most plant forms of iron. Spirulina also supplies high levels of phytochemical carotenoids, including zeaxanthin and beta-carotene, a carotenoid important to eye health, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Spirulina also contains the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid, along with other healthy fatty acids.
Concerns
One concern with spirulina supplements is the possibility of environmental contamination, since these tiny algae can uptake heavy metals and toxic particles called microcystins from the water in which they are grown. Individuals with the metabolic disorder phenylketonuria should not take spirulina because it contains amino acids that their bodies cannot process. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may want to avoid spirulina because of the possibility of mercury contamination.
Member Comments