Spirulina is a form of blue-green algae. It is a simple organism that is marketed as a supplement for human consumption. Although many manufacturers market this product as being high in nutrients, these claims may not be realistic.
Nutrient Content of Spirulina
Many manufacturers of spirulina products promote this supplement as having a number of health benefits, such as promoting weight loss, lowering cholesterol and having anti-aging properties. Spirulina does contain a small number of nutrients, such as iron, a small amount of protein, B vitamins, beta carotene, and gamma linolenic acid. Spirulina also contains chlorophyll; this is the chemical that allows green, leafy plants to convert sunlight into carbon dioxide and water. Although the EAM sites a small study which showed that spirulina may help to reduce cholesterol levels, there is no evidence to suggest that the supplement can aid weight loss or anti-aging.
Spirulina and Chlorophyll
Spirulina is also often touted for its high concentration of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has a number of benefits for humans including healing damaged tissue, neutralizing toxins in the blood, helping transport oxygen throughout the body, chelating heavy minerals, neutralizing the damage caused by free radicals, reducing body odor and bad breath and reducing the side effects of drugs. To date, there are no available studies to confirm these potential benefits. The Linus Pauling Institute cites a number of studies which show that chlorophyllin -- a semi-synthetic derivative of chlorophyll containing sodium copper salts -- may be beneficial for healing minor wounds and deodorizing foul smelling wounds. Little is known about the bioavailability of chlorophyll or chlorophyllin however.
Spirulina and Evercetin
One benefit of spirulina is that it contains a very high concentration of evercetin. This substance is a powerful antioxidant and also has anti-inflammatory properties. It may be beneficial in the treatment of asthma and sinusitis. The suggested dose of spirulina is 3mg to 5mg per day. You should consult your physician before using spirulina.
The Bottom Line
Spirulina products do not contain any nutrients that cannot be readily obtained from food, nor do they contain enriched or high volumes of nutrients or micro-nutrients. Although some studies have been conducted in countries where there are high levels of malnutrition and in these conditions spirulina has shown to be beneficial in re-balancing some deficiencies, the spirulina and blue-green algae products currently on the market may not be adequate to treat any health problem.
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