Spirulina Analysis

Blue-green algae are a specific type of organism that grows in both salt and fresh water. Spirulina is the dried form of arthrospira platensis blue-green algae. Like all algae, spirulina can absorb toxins or bacteria from the water in which it grows. For that reason, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends you purchase only spirulina supplements made by brands you trust. Consult with your physician before using spirulina supplements.

Nutrition

Spirulina is nearly 70 percent protein. It contains three essential amino acids, valine, leucine and isoleucine, as well as both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, vitamin B-1, vitamin B-2, beta-carotene, iron, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese and chromium. In a study published in the November/December 2005 issue of "Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism," Jacque Simpore and colleagues write that spirulina can be used as a nutritional supplement for malnourished children. In their study, HIV-positive children who ingested spirulina supplements for eight weeks gained 15 to 25 g per day. Simpore is a researcher with the University of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, Africa.

Benefits

You may see spirulina marketed as a remedy for health conditions as diverse as diabetes, depression, heart disease and indigestion. On its website, the National Institutes of Health reports that insufficient evidence exists to support these claims. Some positive research has been published, though. In the May 2011 issue of "Cellular & Molecular Immunology," Dr. Carlo Selmi's team reported on a group of anemic senior citizens who took spirulina supplements for 12 weeks. After just six weeks, most participants had a higher red blood cell count and improved immune function. The study size was small, just 40 participants, so further research must be conducted to confirm these results.

Dosing

Follow dosage directions on your supplement label unless directed otherwise by your physician. There is no official recommended dosage for spirulina. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center a standard dosage is 500 mg, taken four to six times per day. In the Burkina Faso study, researchers asked that mothers feed their children 10 g of spirulina daily, mixed with flour. In Dr. Selmi's study, participants took 500 mg doses of spirulina six times daily.

Concerns

Use only spirulina supplements that have been tested and certified free of contamination; otherwise you may experience nausea, shock, rapid heartbeat or liver damage. Do not use spirulina if you are pregnant or lactating. Spirulina may interact with medications that decrease your immune system response, such as prednisone, corticosteroids, azathioprine or mycophenolate.