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Spirulina
The term spirulina refers to a large number of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. Both Spirulina spp. and non- Spirulina spp. fall into the classification of cyanobacteria, and include: Aphanizomenon spp., Microcystis spp., Nostoc spp., and Spirulina spp. Most commercial products contain Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Sprirulina maxima, and/or Spirulina platensis. These algae are found in the warm, alkaline waters of the world, especially of Mexico and Central Africa. Spirulina spp. are most often grown under controlled conditions and are subject to less contamination than the non-spirulina species that are harvested naturally. | ||||||
Spirulina is a rich source of nutrients, containing up to 70% protein, B-complex vitamins, phycocyanin, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and numerous minerals. In fact, spirulina contains more beta-carotene than carrots. Spirulina has been used since ancient times as a source of nutrients and has been said to possess a variety of medical uses, including as an antioxidant, antiviral, antineoplastic, weight loss aid, and lipid-lowering agent. Preliminary data from animal studies demonstrate effectiveness for some conditions as well as safety, although human evidence is lacking. Based on available research, no recommendation can be made either for or against the use of spirulina for any indication. Evidence These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. Uses based on scientific evidence Diabetes Spirulina refers to a large number of "cyanobacteria," or blue-green algae. Blue-green algae are found in the warm, alkaline waters of the world, especially of Mexico and Central Africa. Spirulina species are most often grown under controlled conditions and are subject to less contamination than non-spirulina species that may be harvested in nature.Preliminary study of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus reports that spirulina may reduce fasting blood sugar levels after two months of treatment. More research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn. High cholesterol In animal studies, spirulina has been found to lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Preliminary poor-quality studies in humans suggest a similar effect. Better research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn. Oral leukoplakia (pre-cancerous mouth lesions) Preliminary research has not clearly shown benefits of spirulina in the treatment of oral leukoplakia. Weight loss Spirulina is a popular therapy for weight loss, and is sometimes marketed as a "vitamin enriched" appetite suppressant. However, little scientific information is available on the effect of spirulina on weight loss in humans. Chronic viral hepatitis Preliminary study of spirulina for chronic viral hepatitis shows negative results. Malnutrition Spirulina has been studied as a food supplement in infant malnutrition. Spirulina does not seem to give added benefit over traditional renutritions, is more costly and is not recommended. Uses based on tradition or theory The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. Allergies, anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) prevention, anemia, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, anxiety, atherosclerosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autoimmune disorders, bowel health, brain damage, cancer prevention, cancer treatment, colitis, cytomegalovirus infection, depression, digestion, energy booster, fatigue, fatty liver, fibromyalgia, hair loss, heart disease, herpes simplex-1 virus (HSV-1), high blood pressure, HIV, immune system enhancement, infectious disease, influenza, iron deficiency, kidney disease, lead-induced organ damage, leukemia, liver protection, measles, memory improvement, mood stimulant, mumps, obstetric and gynecological disorders, pneumonia, premenstrual syndrome, radiation-induced damage, radiation sickness, selenium deficiency, skin disorders, sodium oxalate-induced nephroxicity (kidney damage), stomach acid excess, ulcers, vitamin and nutrient deficiency, warts, wound healing, yeast infection. Dosing The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy. Standardization Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other. It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are the "active" ingredients. There is no widely accepted standardization for spirulina products. Adults (18 years and older) Diabetes mellitus (type 2): 1 gram of spirulina by mouth twice daily with meals has been studied. High cholesterol: 1.4 grams of spirulina by mouth, three times daily with meals, for eight weeks has been studied. Oral leukoplakia (pre-cancerous mouth lesions): 1 gram of Spirulina fusiformis by mouth daily has been used for up to a year in one study. Weight loss: 200 milligrams of spirulina tablets by mouth three times daily, taken just before eating, has been studied. Children (under 18 years old) Not enough scientific information is available to advise the safe use of spirulina in children. Safety Allergies Avoid use in individuals with known allergy to spirulina, blue-green algae species, or any of their constituents. Side Effects and Warnings Few side effects have been reported with spirulina use. The most frequently reported adverse effects are headache, muscle pain, flushing of the face, sweating, and difficulty concentrating. These have been described in people taking 1 gram of spirulina by mouth daily. Skin reactions have also been reported. Blue-green algae, especially types that are usually harvested in uncontrolled settings ( Anabaena spp. , Aphanizomenon spp. , and Microcystis spp .), may be contaminated with heavy metals. Liver damage has been reported. The amino acid phenylalanine in blue-green algae may cause an adverse reaction in people with the genetic condition phenylketonuria (PKU), and should be used cautiously. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding There is not enough information to recommend the safe use of spirulina during pregnancy or breastfeeding. In mice, diets containing up to 30% spirulina are not reported to cause harmful effects to either the mother or the offspring. However, reliable human studies addressing safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding are not available. Interactions Interactions with Drugs Little information is available about the interactions of spirulina and other medications. Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements Small increases in calcium levels were reported in a weight-loss study using 200 milligram spirulina tablets for four weeks. However, the study also included a reduced-calorie diet that was not described. Based on this information, use of spirulina and calcium supplements together may further increase calcium levels. Spirulina may increase levels of protein,iron, gamma-linolenic fatty acid,carotenoids,vitamin B1,vitamin B2,vitamin B12andvitamin E. Interactions with Foods Blue-green algae can contain high levels of the amino acid phenylalanine, and may cause an adverse reaction in people with the genetic condition phenylketonuria (PKU). Individuals with PKU should use caution when taking spirulina and other foods with high levels of phenylalanine. About the Author medlineplus.gov |
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