Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae often taken as a supplement to treat myriad conditions, including allergies, diabetes, cholesterol, heart disease, anxiety and premenstrual syndrome, and for weight loss. As with many dietary supplements, scientific evidence is lacking on its effectiveness in treating any of these conditions. Your doctor can inform you if this or any other supplement can help treat or manage a medical condition.
Pregnancy
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends talking to your doctor before taking this supplement while pregnant or breastfeeding. In fact, the National Institutes of Health goes so far as warning against its use. Research is rather limited for this form of algae, particularly when it comes to pregnancy and infants, so its best to be overly cautious. Even though it has high levels of B vitamins, beta-carotene, protein, zinc and iron, you should stop using spirulina until you're no longer pregnant or breastfeeding.
Toxicity
Spirulina can contain microcystins, a peptide released by this form of blue-green algae. Microcystins can lead to toxicity, causing upset stomach, respiratory problems and liver damage, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. Spirulina also absorbs nutrients from the water from which it is taken, so it also can contain heavy metals. Heavy metals, such as mercury or lead, can cause problems for the fetus.
Heavy Metals
Although not talking specifically about spirulina, Dr. Sandra Cottingham, author of "Lead Babies" on the pregnancy.org website, explains the dangers of heavy metals, which can disrupt the development of your unborn child's brain. When something unexpected is introduced into the sequence of brain development, such as mercury or lead, it can lead to a number of health issues, including autism, mental illness, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autoimmune diseases. With the potential exposure of heavy metals from spirulina, it's best to avoid this product while pregnant and nursing.
Recommendation
While spirulina can be found free of microcystins and heavy metals, it's best to avoid using this supplement while pregnant or nursing. Standard dosages are often set at four to six tablets a day. Each tablet usually contains 500 mg, so you're taking in anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 mg of spirulina at day. This is high for the lack of knowledge surrounding its effects on pregnancy and breastfeeding.
References
- MedlinePlus: Blue-Green Algae
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Spirulina; May 2009
- Iowa Department of Public Health: Blue Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) and Microcystin Toxin
- Pregnancy.org; Lead Babies: How Heavy Metals are Causing Our Children's Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Low IQ and Behavior Problems; Sandra Cottingham
