Spirulina is a nutrient-dense form of algae. Because of its combination of B vitamin and iron content, along with its antioxidant properties, it has been successfully tested as a treatment for anemia. It works by increasing levels of hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen around your body. Anemia is a serious medical condition. Don't try to self-medicate with spirulina. Talk to your doctor about your condition, and ask if it's appropriate to take spirulina as a supplement to help your condition.
Aqua Algae
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is full of protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It comes as dried food or in dietary supplements, and it's highly sought after for its B complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and essential fatty acids. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) reports that spirulina offers a wealth of benefits, including a boost to your immune system and protection against allergic reactions. In addition, there's some evidence it has virus- and cancer-fighting qualities.
Anemia Causes
Anemia happens when your blood doesn't contain enough hemoglobin. This could happen when your body doesn't make enough or doesn't use it properly. It can also occur if your body doesn't make enough red blood cells or breaks down red blood cells too fast. There are a few different types of anemia, varying by cause. Low iron is the most common cause of anemia. Your body requires iron to synthesize hemoglobin. Pernicious anemia occurs when you lack enough vitamin B-12. Lack of folic acid causes another type of anemia. Hemolytic anemia is a disease that deforms your red blood cells, and sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease that causes red blood cells to become shaped like a sickle and spurs painful episodes called crises.
Research Evidence
Because of spirulina's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, a group of University of California at Davis researchers suspected spirulina might be useful in treating anemia. They gathered a sample of 40 participants, age 50 and older. A B-12 deficiency is common among older adults. Throughout 12 weeks of supplementation, participants' hemoglobin levels significantly increased. In their report, published in 2011 in "Cellular & Molecular Immunology," the researchers found that older women appeared to benefit more rapidly from spirulina. They concluded that supplementing with spirulina may ameliorate anemia, as well as improve immune functioning. Larger-scale studies are needed to confirm their findings.
Spirulina was also tested on iron-deficiency anemia in a group of young women, ages 18 to 22. This form of anemia is quite common due to iron loss through menstruation. In "Spirulina in Human Nutrition and Health," authors Eric Gershwin and Amha Belay reported that the young women saw between 7 and 12 percent increases in hemoglobin, depending on how the spirulina was given. The increases were seen after just one month of supplementation.
Safety
Spirulina grows in warm climates and in warm water. The UMMC reports that it can be contaminated with toxic substances known as microcystins. Spirulina, like other algae, can also absorb heavy metals if they are in the water where it grows. If you buy a spirulina supplement, go for a trusted brand. Moreover, you should talk to your doctor before you attempt to treat anemia with spirulina. People with certain metabolic conditions and autoimmune diseases should avoid spirulina altogether.
