Spirulina for Women

Some medical conditions are more common in women than in men. For example, women of reproductive age are at a higher risk to develop iron deficiency anemia because they lose iron each month during menses. Breast cancer also affects more women then men. Digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome are more frequent in women. These are just three examples of disorders experienced more often by women, and spirulina, a supplement derived from blue algae also known as arthrospira may help in all these conditions.

Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and in the United States, it affects up to 16 percent of women between 16 and 49 years old, according to National Center of Health. This form of anemia affects the ability to work and if occurs during pregnancy it may cause low birth weight and preterm delivery. Conventional treatment is based iron supplements. Spirulina contains significant amount of iron, and this mineral is very well absorbed by the body, compared with other iron-rich plants. According to Drugs.com 10, g a day of spirulina delivers the equivalent of 1.5 to 2 mg of bio-available iron, similar to conventional tablets recommend for iron deficiency anemia.

Breast Cancer

The risk of developing breast cancer in women increases with age. In 2006, over 200,000 women were diagnosed with cancer, according to Merck Manual. Standard treatment involves surgery and in some cases radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone-blocking medication. Spirulina may prevent breast cancer, suggests a research team, based on a study published in October 2009 issue of "Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy". During the study, a combination of spirulina and selenium improved certain tumor markers and killed cancer cells from breast tissue. Further research is needed to confirm these laboratory findings.

Promotes Healthy Flora In The Gut

Friendly bacteria the gut, such as Lactobacillus help your digestive tract to stay healthy and work properly. Lactobacillus also boosts the immune system and fights infections. Alternative health care professionals recommend supplementation with Lactobacillus for women suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, those who have recurrent yeast infections or bladder inflammations. In an animal study, spirulina increased the population of the Lactobacillus by three times compared with the subjects who were not fed with this algae. The study was discussed in spring 2002 issue of "The Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association."

Considerations

If you suffer from a medical condition, consult an alternative health care provider to find out optimal dosage, possible side effects and drug interactions. Spirulina is not approved by U. S Food and Drug Administration to prevent or treat anemia,breast cancer or digestive disorders.