Summary

Spirulina has been a standard source of nutrition for a number of years. [2]

Benefits and Effects

Combats malnutrition

Spirulina contains a rich mixture of protein, vitamins and other nutrients. Specific elements that contribute to the nutrition value spirulina provides are: protein, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Copper, and Iron. [6]

Resists Oral Cancer

Spirulina caused complete regression of lesions in 45% of participants compared to 7% without spirulina. These results show that spirulina can help the body to resist cancer and to recover from its effects. [7]

Improves Exercise Performance

Over a four-week testing period, participants using spirulina showed a marked improvement in exercise performance. Blood tests showed positive improvements in fat oxidation, GSH concentration and a lowering in lipid peroxidation production. [8]

May lower blood glucose levels

Spirulina appreciably lowered fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose was noted along with a significant reduction in the HbA(1c) level. This indicated not only a reduction in glucose but an improvement in glucose regulation. [9]

Helps reduce cholesterol

Spirulina supplements significantly reduced lipid peroxidation levels, which returned to their normal values. [10]

May reduce anemia

Spirulina has been shown to improve average values of mean corpuscular hemoglobin in anemic patients. [12]

May reduce allergic rhinitis

A study investigated the effect of spirulina on the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Results showed a significant improvement in the patients taking spirulina compared to those using a placebo control. [13]

How Spirulina Works

Spirulina is an antioxidant – protecting the human body from free radicals. [14]

Another mechanism of action is the increase of activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. The different ingredients of spirulina each have their own mechanism of action, some of which are listed below [15]:

Dosage

The Maryland Medical Center recommends a spirulina dosage of 2,000  – 3,000 mg/day. This is usually split into 4 to 6 portions of 500 mg each during the day. [16]

Dosages much higher than this have been safely consumed. Daily consumption of up to 10,000 mg per day has been used effectively. [6]

It is important to drink a lot of water when taking spirulina due to its diuretic effect. [17]

It is advisable not to take spirulina less than 4-hours before retiring to bed. [18]

Side Effects

Some people have experienced severe side effects from contaminants that have become entrained found in spirulina. [14]

Some consumers have reported symptoms of headaches, sweats, nausea, concentration problems and flushes when using spirulina.[14]

People who suffer from autoimmune diseases should avoid spirulina.[14] Always consult a medical practitioner if you are unsure about the effect of a nootropic on your health.

Stacks

Spirulina can be taken safely with cumin, paprika and chili powder. [16]

Spirulina contains high amounts of carotenoids and vitamin E. The human body normally excretes excess carotenoids rather than converting them to vitamin A. If you multivitamin also contains large amounts of vitamin E, it may be advisable to get medical advice before taking it with spirulina. [20]