Find Search

Other Information

Quest Vitamins LTD,
8 Venture Way,
Aston Science Park,
Birmingham,
B7 4AP.

Tel: 0121 359 0056
Fax: 0121 359 0313
Email: info@questvitamins.co.uk
Registered in England No. 2530437

Spirulina

DESCRIPTION

A type of blue-green algae, spirulina is a microscopic aquatic plant species. The two most common species consumed by humans are Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis. Spirulina is rich source of nutrients. It is high in protein, and it also contains Carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, and Essential Fatty Acids (1). Most supplemental uses of spirulina and other blue-green algae are based on anecdotal rather than scientific evidence. A number of test tube and animal studies have shown that large amounts of spirulina possess antiviral (2), antiAllergy (3,4), immune-enhancing (5) effects.


FUNCTIONS

Spirulina is not an essential nutrient. However, it does contain a number of important nutrients, and can be used as a source of protein as well as Carotenoids. In general, large amounts of blue-green algae are necessary to provide significant amounts of nutrients.


SUGGESTED INTAKES

Spirulina is available as a powder, flakes, capsules, or tablets.

Typical manufacturer?s recommendation:
2000-3000 mg daily, spread throughout the day.

Typical amount to be effective based on animal studies:
34 g or more daily for a 150-pound human.


SUPPLEMENTAL USES

Oral leukoplakia:
Precancerous lesions of the mouth can be reversed by Spirulina fusiformis, as shown in one controlled study where patients were given 1 g daily of the supplement for one year (6).

Weight loss:
Spirulina may be an effective weight loss agent, although scientific studies have not yet reported significant results (7).

Heart health:
One controlled study showed that spirulina may help lower cholesterol levels (8).


SAFETY

Spirulina does not appear to cause any side effects, and is generally considered a safe, whole food. Some individuals may be allergic to spirulina.

Spirulina appears to be safe during Pregnancy, as demonstrated in animal studies (9).


INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS

There are no known drug interactions or contra-indications for spirulina.

REFERENCES

1. Dillon JC, Phuc AP, Dubacq JP. Nutritional value of the alga Spirulina. World Rev Nutr Diet 1995;77:32-46.
2. Hayashi K, Hayashi T, Kojima I. A natural sulfated polysaccharide, Calcium spirulan, isolated from Spirulina platensis: in vitro and ex vivo evaluation of anti-Herpes simplex virus and anti-human immunodeficiency virus activities. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 1996 Oct;12:1463-71.
3. Kim HM, Lee EH, Cho HH, et al. Inhibitory effect of mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions in rats by spirulina. Biochem Pharmacol 1998;55:1071-76.
4. Yang HN, Lee EH, Kim HM. Spirulina inhibits anaphylactic reaction. Life Sci 1997;61:1237-44.

RELATED NEWS

Print this page