Spirulina is a microscopic blue-green algae that has been around for millions of years. It's used as a food source due to its high protein content. Spirulina also contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals and carotenoids. It's related to kelp but is not an ocean plant; it's an aquatic algae found in the brackish, alkaline waters of many lakes. Over the years, it has been hailed for a number of health benefits, but to date not enough research has been performed to confirm this. There are some side effects associated with taking Spirulina, so consult your medical provider before taking it.
About Spirulina
Spirulina gets its name from its spiral shape. It occurs naturally or is grown via aquaculture. AltMD says Spirulina is made up of 65 percent protein and contains all of the essential amino acids. It's classified as cyanobacteria and has characteristics of both plant and bacteria. Spirulina gets it color from green chlorophyll and phycocyanin, a blue protein. It contains many important nutrients, including beta-carotene, vitamin B12, vitamin E, gamma-linoleic acid, iron, zinc, manganese, copper and selenium. Although single-celled, Spirulina is approximately 100 times the size of other algae.
Benefits
Spirulina is used to bolster the immune system. Although more evidence is needed, HealthCentral.com says Spirulina appears to increase production of antibodies and cytokines, which are substances made by the body to fight off infection and disease. Spirulina may also aid the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, including Lactobacillus species. You can take Spirulina supplements to suppress appetite, prevent oral cancer, improve symptoms of ADHD, block allergic reactions, fight fatigue and protect against liver failure. In the lab, Spirulina has shown some promise in fighting certain viruses, such as herpes, the flu virus and HIV, but there have been no human studies performed.
Dosage and Side Effects
As a supplement, Spirulina is available in tablet, capsule, powder and flake forms. There is no established dosage for Spirulina due to the lack of human studies. Although it lists the standard adult dose as 500mg per day, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends you consult your physician about the dosage that's right for you. Spirulina rarely produces side effects as long as it's free of contaminants. The side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Spirulina can also cause anxiety and insomnia.
Precautions
Naturally occurring Spirulina may contain toxic contaminants called microcystins. These toxins are also able to absorb heavy metals, compounding the negative effects. These contaminants can cause liver damage, so it's imperative to buy Spirulina supplements from a reputable manufacturer. If you have phenylketonuria, you shouldn't take Spirulina, because it contains phenylalanine, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. Do not take Spirulina if you have an autoimmune disease such as lupus or multiple sclerosis; Spirulina can cause those conditions to worsen. Consult your doctor before taking Spirulina, especially if you are pregnant or have a metabolic disease.
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