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Spirulina & Fatigue

Jul 25, 2011 | By Alicia Miller
Spirulina & Fatigue
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Almost everyone feels fatigued from time to time. Fatigue is a common complaint that can be caused by social, psychological or physical influences. While certain medical treatments and self-help techniques can improve feelings of fatigue, some alternative health practitioners believe that spirulina, a type of algae, can also provide benefits. However, there are no clinical studies in humans to prove these effects. Consult your doctor before using any dietary supplements.

About Spirulina

Spirulina is a form of blue-green algae that is commercially harvested for use in over-the-counter dietary supplements. The main benefits of spirulina are thought to come from its high nutritional content. Specifically, spirulina is rich in vitamin E, B12 and other B complex vitamins, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium and gamma linolenic acid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Certain symptoms, such as fatigue, are thought to be caused, in part, by nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of the B complex vitamins. In his book, "Spirulina," nutrition expert Jack Challem points out that spirulina may be especially helpful for remedying low levels of vitamin B12, which can cause feelings of fatigue, anemia and mental disturbances. However, only animal studies have verified spirulina's anti-fatigue effects.

Fatigue and Nutrition

Fatigue is different from feeling drowsy or sleepy. Feelings of fatigue are characterized by a lack of motivation and low levels of energy, although you may also feel like sleeping, according to MayoClinic.com. Fatigue can have a number of possible causes, including medical conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, heart disease and thyroid disorders, as well as psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, low levels of certain vitamins, such as vitamin B12 deficiency, can cause feelings of fatigue. The belief that spirulina may improve fatigue stems from its high B12 content, however, no clinical studies on humans have shown any anti-fatigue benefit of spirulina supplementation.

Clinical Evidence

One very small clinical study on human subjects, published in the June 2007 issue of the international, peer-reviewed journal of medicinal plant research, "Phytotherapy Research," evaluated the effects of spirulina versus placebo on study participants with chronic fatigue syndrome. The results did not find any significant difference between spirulina and the placebo. The majority of studies proving the anti-fatigue effect of spirulina have been conducted on laboratory animals. A study published in 2010 in the Chinese pharmaceutical journal, "Strait Pharmaceutical Journal," showed that spirulina had an anti-fatigue effect and helped to promote fatigue recovery in laboratory mice subjected to several laboratory tests. Similar studies published in other Chinese medical journals have yielded similar results. However, no additional, major medical journals have published studies regarding spirulina's benefits for fatigue. More clinical studies are needed to fully evaluate the effects of spirulina on fatigue in human subjects.

Considerations

The available clinical research doesn't provide enough evidence to support the benefits of spirulina for fatigue. Do not attempt to use dietary supplements to self-treat your symptoms. Fatigue can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Consult your doctor to obtain a proper diagnosis and to discuss potential treatment options. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that spirulina may interfere with certain medications used to suppress the immune system, but no additional side effects have been reported. As with any dietary supplement, inform your doctor if you choose to use spirulina.

References

Article reviewed by Mary Bland Last updated on: Jul 25, 2011

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