For millennia, spirulina kelp has been a traditional source of food for some indigenous cultures in Africa and Central America. However, in recent years this small power pack has also gained in popularity in the Western world. No wonder, because the green-blue microalgae is a true superfood and is full of nutrients.
Whether it’s a nutritional supplement in capsule or tablet form, or a powder for mixing, simply taking spirulina can be an enrichment for our bodies. Not only is microalgae a source of vitamins and minerals, it also provides valuable antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It also has a high protein content, but it only works if the freeze-dried powder is supplied in large quantities. We examine the impressive nutritional composition and possible health effects of spirulina. This is the best way to integrate spirulina into your everyday life.
Spirulina platensis is a nutrient-rich, green-blue microalgae widely used in nutritional medicine and natural medicine. This tiny algae is now called a true superfood and offers many health benefits.
The algae is rich in trace elements, amino acids and essential fatty acids such as valuable gamma linoleic acid. Spirulina also has a very high potassium content – higher than most other algae. In addition to vitamins, minerals, trace elements and secondary phytonutrients, Spirulina platensis also contains pharmacologically significant ingredients such as phenols and phycocyanine.
What is spirulina good for? Studies have shown that taking spirulina has helped malnourished children overcome anaemia and other deficiencies more quickly than without this supplement. These findings underpin the use of spirulina in the supplementary treatment of malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies, anorexia, cachexia and convalescence to strengthen the body. Supplementation with spirulina can therefore be considered a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
Spirulina is not only a nutrient-rich miracle algae, it can also strengthen the immune system in an impressive way. With its unique ingredients, spirulina has the potential to boost the body’s natural defences. Studies show that supplementation can lead to increased secretion of immune-stimulating proteins and increased activity of natural killer cells, as well as T and B cells. The production of antibodies and immune-relevant messenger substances is also boosted.
The combination of spirulina with zinc proved particularly effective in supporting the immune system. However, the body's own immune defence was also improved in animal experiments in connection with selenium.
Recent research also confirms an immunomodulatory effect in allergies such as rhinitis. A 12-week intake of 1000-2000 mg spirulina significantly reduced the production of the allergy-typical interleukin IL-4 in those affected. Spirulina also significantly alleviated annoying symptoms such as sneezing, itching and nasal congestion.
The antioxidant properties of spirulina can have a positive effect on the liver. Studies indicate that the substances contained in blue algae such as phycocyanine, chlorophyll and polysaccharides have a protective effect on the liver. This allows pollutants to be more efficiently expelled from the body and protects the liver from oxidative stress and cell damage.
Spirulina can also have positive effects on intestinal health and digestion. The nutrients contained in blue algae can support healthy intestinal flora. In addition, spirulina in large quantities is a great source of fibre, which can regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
In Type 2 diabetics, a daily intake of 2000 mg spirulina for two months significantly improved glucose regulation and blood lipid levels such as triglycerides and cholesterol significantly decreased. This can reduce the risk of secondary diseases such as arteriosclerosis.
The antioxidant substances contained in spirulina, such as phycocyanine, further support vascular health.
Spirulina can not only have a positive effect on internal health, but can also be of benefit externally for stronger and healthier hair. The nutrient-rich blue algae is rich in nutrients that can strengthen hair growth and structure.
The ingredients make spirulina a real booster for beautiful hair. These nutrients provide optimal nourishment to roots.
Whether spirulina can actually boost fat burning has not yet been conclusively clarified. Numerous studies deal with this question, but have not yet provided clear results. Nevertheless, the nutrient-rich blue algae has the potential to support weight loss in combination with a healthy diet and an additional sports programme.
Special caution is required when purchasing spirulina products, because algae absorb heavy metals and other undesirable substances from their surroundings very easily. Especially when spirulina is taken as a food supplement or for therapeutic purposes, impurities are a great risk to health. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the high quality and controlled origin of the microalgae.
Biogena uses only the purest spirulina platensis kelp from certified Austrian production of Jongerius ecoduna® for Spirulina 400. This is cultivated in a fully controlled and patented environment in a closed glass tube system. Only sunlight and the purest Austrian drinking water serve as nutrients – neither pesticides nor other additives are used.
Thanks to the gentle spray drying process, all the valuable ingredients such as the antioxidant phycocyanine and carotenoids are preserved in the spirulina. The finished product is free of any heavy metals, toxins and pesticides.
Spirulina is considered to be well tolerated in most people, but side effects may occur in rare cases when taken:
Since spirulina stimulates digestion, temporary symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea or abdominal cramps can occur, especially at the start of supplementation in sensitive persons. However, these symptoms usually subside when the body is used to the algae products.
People with hyperthyroidism or those taking medications that affect the thyroid should be cautious with spirulina. Due to its high iodine content, the algae could further stimulate thyroid activity in these cases. Overall, however, spirulina is safe and well tolerated for the majority of people as long as the recommended doses are adhered to.
There is no binding rule as to when the best time to take spirulina is. However, many recommend taking spirulina in the morning. At this time, the body is optimally receptive to nutrients after a night of sleep.
BIOGENA recommends a daily dose of 6 capsules of 400 mg spirulina each. This corresponds to 2,400 mg daily.
Further reading:
Doshi, H. et al. 2008. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals by green algae. Curr Microbiol. 56(3):246-55.
Jiang, Y. et al. 2008. Detection of the hepatotoxic microcystins in 36 kinds of cyanobacteria Spirulina food products in China. Food Addit Contam. 25(7):885-94.
Simpore, J. et al. 2006. Nutrition rehabilitation of undernourished children utilizing Spiruline and Misola. Nutr J. 23(5):3.
Chamorro, G. et al. 2002. Update on the pharmacology of Spirulina, an unconventional food. Arch Latinoam Nutr. 52(3):232-40.
Chamorro, G. et al. 1996. Pharmacology and toxicology of Spirulina alga. Rev Invest Clin. 48(5):389-99.
McCarty, M. F. 2007. Clinical potential of Spirulina as a source of phycocyanobilin. J Med Food. 10(4):566-70.
Blinkova, L. P., Gorobets, O. B., Baturo, A. P. 2001. Biological Activity of Spirulina. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol. (2):114-8.
Dartsch, P. C. 2008. Antioxidant potential of selected Spirulina platensis preparations. Phytother Res. 22(5):627-33.
Trushina, E. N. et al. 2007. The influence of Spirulina and Selen-Spirulina on some indexes of rat‘s immune status. Vopr Pitan. 76(2):21-5.
Cingi, C. et al. 2008. The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 265(10):1219-1223.
Parikh, P., Mani, U., Iyer, U. 2001. Role of Spirulina in the control of glycemia and lipidemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Med Food. 4(4):193-9.
Torres-Duran, P. V. et al. 2007. Antihyperlipemic and antihypertensive effects of Spirulina maxima in an open sample of Mexican population: a preliminary report. Lipids Health Dis. 26(6):33.
Ionov, V. A., Basova, M. M. 2003. Use of blue-green micro-seaweed Spirulina platensis for the correction of lipid and hemostatic disturbances in patients with ischemic heart disease. Vopr Pitan. 72(6):28-31.
Mohiti S, Zarezadeh M, Naeini F, Tutunchi H, Ostadrahimi A, Ghoreishi Z, Ebrahimi Mamaghani M. Spirulina supplementation and oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2021 Aug;48(8):1059-1069.
Grosshagauer S, Kraemer K, Somoza V. The True Value of Spirulina. J Agric Food Chem. 2020 Apr 8;68(14):4109-4115.
DiNicolantonio JJ, Bhat AG, OKeefe J. Effects of spirulina on weight loss and blood lipids: a review. Open Heart. 2020 Mar 8;7(1).
Lucia C. Leal-Esteban, Renata Campos Nogueira, Spirulina supplementation: A double-blind, randomized, comparative study in young anemic Indian women, Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, OCTOBER 01, 2021.
Machowiec P, Ręka G, Maksymowicz M, Piecewicz-Szczęsna H, Smoleń A. Effect of Spirulina Supplementation on Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2021;13(9):3054. Published 2021 Aug 31.
