Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae commonly inhabiting tropical or subtropical waters that are high in salt. It may be found in large freshwater lakes as well. Spirulina gives these bodies of water a distinctive dark-green color. Spirulina is edible. In the United States, it is commonly used as a dietary supplement. You may find Spirulina in Asian cuisine. In Russia, it was given to people after the Chernobyl disaster, because the pigments in Spirulina help to absorb radiation.
Dangers
Naturally grown Spirulina is often contaminated with heavy metals, bacteria and a group of liver toxins called microcystins. Ingesting contaminated Spirulina can cause a range of discomforts such as nausea, vomiting, weakness and stomach cramps. In severe cases, liver damage, irregular heartbeat, shock and even death may occur. Only Spirulina that has been tested to be free of toxins and contaminants should be used.
People at Risk
Children are especially vulnerable to the contaminants in Spirulina. Do not give Spirulina to children without checking with a pediatrician first. The National Institutes of Health urge pregnant and lactating women not to take Spirulina because of the uncertainty of its effects. People who have phenylketonuria, a metabolic disorder involving an inability to metabolize phenylalanine, should not take Spirulina. Spirulina provides phenylalanine and can make the condition worse. Because Spirulina has the potential to stimulate the immune system, people with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis should avoid taking Spirulina.
Nutrition
Despite the dangers, Spirulina is a popular dietary supplement due to its unique nutrition profile. Spirulina is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals. Proteins constitute 62 percent of the dry weight of Spirulina, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Spirulina proteins are complete proteins, meaning that they provide all the essential amino acids that your body needs. Spirulina is a good source of B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, copper, zinc and selenium. It also provides gamma linolenic acid, which is an essential fat, and carotinoids, which are a group of pigments that have antioxidant properties.
Common Uses
As a dietary supplement, Spirulina is used to treat conditions such as weight loss, attention-deficit disorder, premenstrual syndrome, diabetes, immune disorders, fatigue, depression, anxiety, heart disease, cancer, wound care, liver disorders and digestive problems. However, none of these uses have adequate scientific support, according to the National Institutes of Health. In test tubes and animals, Spirulina appears to boost immune cell function, reduce the release of allergy-causing histamines and prevent viral entry into cells; but it is not known whether any of these activities translates to benefits to humans.
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