Spirulina is a type of algae that is rich in many nutrients. People take spirulina to increase their consumption of certain nutrients or to manage a specific medical condition. Like many supplements, spirulina can cause a variety of side effects, including possible weight gain. If you are concerned about the safety of spirulina or you are trying to manage a weight problem, talk to your doctor before using spirulina.
Spirulina Benefits
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is a good source of protein, carotenoids, B-complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium and gamma linolenic acid, which is an essential fatty acid. While research on humans is limited, animal and test tube studies demonstrate that spirulina might help improve immune system activity, fight off infections, protect against some forms of cancer and lower the risk of liver damage, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Spirulina can be taken as a pill, in powder form or as flakes, and can be either dried or freeze-dried.
Side Effects
Use caution, as spirulina might be mixed with toxic substances. Be sure to only use products that have been tested and found free of microcystins and other contamination. Contaminated blue-green algae can cause liver damage, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, thirst, rapid heartbeat, shock and death, reports MedlinePlus. It should not be consumed by children, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people with autoimmune conditions or phenylketonuria. All types of blue green algae can interact with other herbal, over-the-counter or prescription medications, so only use spirulina under medical supervision.
Spirulina and Weight Gain
Since research is limited, there is no suggested dosage of spirulina that is known to be safe or effective. However, spirulina does appear to be helpful in stimulating weight gain in malnourished children, reports Drugs.com. Claims that it supports weight loss have not been proven. Unless you eat large amounts, spirulina most likely will not cause weight gain; it only contains about 20 calories per teaspoon. If you are trying to watch your weight, read the nutrition label, because some products possibly have a much higher caloric content.
Preventing Weight Gain
Preventing weight gain is usually not accomplished by just changing one thing, such as stopping your use of spirulina. When it comes to managing your weight, adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors -- eat only as many calories as you need, get regular exercise to burn calories and deal with any triggers that lead to overeating. If you are trying to lose weight, you might find that taking spirulina before meals helps to suppress your appetite, but taking supplements does not teach healthy eating habits, according to the Colorado State University Extension.
Member Comments