Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is rich in protein, B vitamins, iron and antioxidants. It is often used as a nutritional supplement, as well as medicinally to treat many conditions, including cancer, immune problems, diabetes and mood disorders. There is too little scientific evidence on any of these uses to know whether spirulina actually works, according to MedlinePlus. Spirulina does pose some risks so talk to your doctor before taking it.
Contamination Risk
Spirulina that is grown in a natural setting, typically a tropical sea or large fresh-water lake, may be contaminated. Such waters can harbor bacteria, liver toxins produced by some bacteria, or heavy metals. Spirulina grown in contaminated waters can cause liver damage, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, thirst and rapid heartbeat. In extreme cases, some people can go into shock and even die from contaminated spirulina, reports MedlinePlus. Look for spirulina that has been tested and found to be free of liver toxins and other contaminants. You may also be able to find spirulina that has been grown under controlled conditions to prevent contamination. Uncontaminated spirulina seems to cause few side effects for most people, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
PKU
Phenylketonuria, or PKU, is a genetic disorder that prevents the body from processing a chemical component of protein called phenylalanine. This can cause phenylalanine levels to build up, damaging the brain and causing mental retardation. Because spirulina is rich in protein, it contains high levels of phenylalanine, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you have PKU, do not take spirulina.
Warnings
If you are pregnant or nursing, avoid taking spirulina, as there is not enough evidence to know whether it is safe or not. If you have an autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, spirulina may aggravate your condition, reports MedlinePlus. In an autoimmune disease, symptoms are caused by the body's own immune system attacking healthy tissue. Spirulina may stimulate the immune system, boosting that immune system attack and increasing symptoms. If you have an autoimmune disease, do not take spirulina without consulting your doctor first.
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Interactions
If you take an immune suppressant, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking spirulina, as it may ramp up your immune system and work against your prescription, according to MedlinePlus. Some common immune suppressants include azathioprine, adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, leflunomide, methotrexate, basiliximab, cyclosporine, daclizumab, muromonab-CD3, mycophenolate, tacrolimus, sirolimus, prednisone and corticosteroids.
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