Health stores sell the blue-green algae supplement spirulina as a potential treatment for everything from heart disease to diabetes. However, according to MedlinePlus, no medical evidence currently exists to prove any of the health claims concerning spirulina. However, this supplement generally doesn't trigger too many negative health effects in normal doses. Negative facts about spirulina relate to the preparation of the product and its unsuitability for people with certain medical conditions.
Contamination
Though pure spirulina offers few health risks, the growing algae is highly prone to contamination. Contamination occurs through several natural means, including the mold anatoxin and a toxic substance called microcystin. In addition, the algae absorbs local pollutants such as toxic metals like mercury. In all cases, these contaminants may harm the liver and in some cases, lead to diseases such as cancer. Other symptoms include headaches, nausea, weakness. In severe cases the toxins can lead to death. However, reputable suppliers would most likely test the spirulina for pollutants.
Auto-immune Medications
A negative fact about spirulina is that it may aggravate symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Some evidence points to spirulina's affect on the human immune system. Spirulina may stimulate the immune system. This could make conditions such as lupus, arthritis, psoriasis, or multiple sclerosis more pronounced. Similarly, spirulina could interact with medication designed as immune system suppressants such as adalimumab, azathioprine or cyclosporine.
Phenylketonuria
Spirulina may negatively affect people with the metabolic condition known as phenylketonuria, or PKU, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. People with phenylketonuria usually have the condition from birth. It suppresses a person's ability to break down phenylalanine, a type of amino acid found in many protein-rich foods. Spirulina contains all the essential amino acids including phenylalanine. This means that as a supplement, it may have the unintended effect of harming a person with phenylketonuria -- leading to symptoms such as seizures or skin rashes over time.
Expense
As the NYU Langone Medical Center points out, spirulina contains lots of nutritional benefits -- but at a relatively high price. While spirulina is high in protein, vegetable and plant sources of protein include beans, soy, grains and nuts. While you find beta-carotene in spirulina, it's also found in high concentrations in common vegetables such as carrots. Iron is found in spirulina, but you can get a similar dose from dark leafy green vegetables, as well as red meats and fish. Be aware that until medical evidence confirms otherwise, spirulina offers few additional nutritional benefits to a healthy diet.
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