Spirulina

Other Name(s):

Spirulina fusiformis, Spirulina maxima, Spirulina platensis

General Description:

Spirulina is a primitive single-celled algae that grows in the ocean and includes many species. Those used for centuries include Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis. Spirulina is cultivated as feedstock in Africa and Mexico.

Known ingredients of spirulina include:

• Arachidonic acid

• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)

• Iron

• Linoleic acid

• Phycocyanin

• Protein

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin B-12

Medically Valid Uses:

There are no clearly demonstrated medical uses for spirulina in humans. Spirulina is a source of protein, iron, carotenoids and some vitamins. The protein in spirulina is comparable to other plant proteins and, like other plant proteins, is incomplete.

Spirulina has been used as a feed extender for livestock. It can provide a percentage of the total protein intake (usually up to 25 percent) but must be supplemented with amino acids that are lacking in spirulina protein (generally lysine, methionine and histidine). Digestibility of spirulina protein is less than that of other typical livestock foods.

Spirulina can also be used as a source of protein and some vitamins for humans. However, spirulina protein is less digestible than other protein sources.

Unsubstantiated Claims:

Please note that this section reports on claims that have NOT yet been substantiated through scientific studies.

Most studies of spirulina have been conducted on animals, principally mice, but not on humans. The claims made are thus only supported by animal studies. These claims state that spirulina may act as a hepatoprotectant (protect the liver from damage from certain toxins), may reduce allergic reactions by stabilizing mast cells (damaged mast cells are a source of histamine , the agent that causes allergic symptoms), and may strengthen the immune system.

One study using human subjects suggests spirulina may help treat oral cancerous lesions.

Dosing Format:

Follow packaging instructions for correct dose. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should consult a physician before taking any dietary supplements.

Side Effects, Toxicity and Interactions:

Spirulina is a controversial source of vitamin A, because spirulina has been shown to interfere with the body's storage and use of both vitamin A and E. Spirulina is not a reliable source of vitamin B-12.

There are no known significant food or drug interactions.

Additional Information:

Click here for a list of reputable Web sites with general information on nutrition.

References:

1. Balch JF, Balch PA. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. 2nd ed. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group; 1997.

2. Clement G. [Production and characteristic constituents of the algae Spirulina platensis and maxima]. Ann Nutr Aliment. 1975;29(6):477-88.

3. Chamorro G, Salazar M, Favila L, Bourges H. [Pharmacology and toxicology of Spirulina alga]. Rev Invest Clin. 1996 Sep-Oct;48(5):389-99.

4. Kapoor R & Mehta U. (1992 Oct). Iron bioavailability from Spirulina platensis, whole egg and whole wheat. Indian J Exp Biol, 30(10), 904-7.

5. Annapurna VV, Deosthale YG, Bamji MS. Spirulina as a source of vitamin A. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 1991 Apr;41(2):125-34.

6. Mitchell GV, Grundel E, Jenkins M, Blakely SR. Effects of graded dietary levels of Spirulina maxima on vitamins A and E in male rats. J Nutr. 1990 Oct;120(10):1235-40.

7. Dagnelie PC, van Staveren WA, van den Berg H. Vitamin B-12 from algae appears not to be bioavailable [published erratum appears in Am J Clin Nutr 1991 Apr;53(4):988]. Am J Clin Nutr. (1991 Mar;53(3):695-7.

8. Hayashi O, Katoh T, Okuwaki Y. Enhancement of antibody production in mice by dietary Spirulina platensis. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 1994 Oct;40(5):431-41.

9. Qureshi MA, Garlich JD, Kidd MT. Dietary Spirulina platensis enhances humoral and cell-mediated immune functions in chickens. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 1996 Aug;18(3):465-76.

10. Torres-Duran PV, Miranda-Zamora R, Paredes-Carbajal MC, Mascher D, Diaz-Zagoya JC, Juarez-Oropeza MA. Spirulina maxima prevents induction of fatty liver by carbon tetrachloride in the rat. Biochem Mol Biol Int. 1998 Apr;44(4):787-93.

11. Hayashi O, Hirahashi T, Katoh T, Miyajima H, Hirano T, Okuwaki Y. Class specific influence of dietary Spirulina platensis on antibody production in mice. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 1998 Dec;44(6):841-51.