Source: University of Mayland Medical Center
Also listed as: Arthrospira plantensis; Blue-green algae; Spirulina fusiformis; Spirulina maxima; Spirulina platensis
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae found in most lakes and ponds.
It has been consumed for thousands of years by Mexican (Aztecs,
Mayans), African, and Asian peoples. Spirulina is considered a complete
protein because well over half of it consists of amino acids -- the
building blocks of protein. It is also a rich source of other nutrients
including B complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, carotenoids,
manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and gamma linolenic acid (an
essential fatty acid). In fact, at least one laboratory study has
demonstrated that the iron level in spirulina is equivalent to that
contained in beef. Because of its apparent ability to stimulate the
immune system, spirulina may have antiviral and anticancer effects.
Test tube and animal studies suggest that spirulina may also help
protect against harmful allergic reactions. More research is needed to
fully understand how spirulina truly benefits people.
Interestingly, spirulina has been used in Russia to treat the
victims, especially children, of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl. In
these children, whose bone marrow had been damaged from radiation
exposure, spirulina seemed to boost the immune system.
Immune Enhancement
Animal and test tube studies suggest that spirulina increases
production of antibodies, cytokines (infection fighting proteins), and
other cells that improve immunity and help ward off infection and
chronic illnesses such as cancer.
Protein Supplement
Amino acids make up 62% of spirulina. Because it is a rich source of
protein and other nutrients, spirulina has been used traditionally as a
nutritional supplement by people who cannot obtain sufficient calories
or protein through diet alone and by those whose nutritional
requirements are higher than normal, such as athletes.
Anemia
Animal studies suggest that spirulina promotes hematopoiesis (formation
and development of red blood cells). This is thought to be due to the
high levels of iron present in this food supplement.
Allergic Reactions
Animal and test tube studies suggest that spirulina may protect against
allergic reactions by preventing the release of histamines (substances
that contribute to allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes,
hives, and soft-tissue swelling). Whether these preliminary studies
will translate into benefit for people with allergies is not known.
Antibiotic-related Illnesses
Although antibiotics destroy unwanted organisms in the body, they may also kill "good" bacteria called probiotics (such as Lactobacillus acidophilus ) which sometimes results in diarrhea. In test tubes, spirulina has promoted the growth of L. acidophilus and other probiotics. Whether this positive laboratory finding will
translate into protection from antibiotic-related diarrhea is not clear
at this time.
Infection
Test tube studies suggest that spirulina has activity against
herpes, influenza, cytomeglovirus, and human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV). Whether this laboratory finding will prove beneficial for people
in treating these infections is not clear.
Oral Cancer
In one study, 87 people who chewed tobacco and had a precancerous lesion known as leukoplakia were randomly assigned to receive Spirulina fusiformis or placebo. Lesions were significantly more likely to disappear in the
spirulina group than in the placebo group. More research in this area
will be very helpful.
Liver Disorders
There is some preliminary evidence that spirulina may help protect
against liver damage and cirrhosis (liver failure) in those with
chronic hepatitis. More research is needed in this area.
Other
Spirulina is also contained in some skin care products due to its
moisturizing and tightening properties, and components derived from
spirulina may have properties to help reduce inflammation in, for
example, arthritis. More research is needed in this latter area.
Spirulina is a microscopic algae that flourishes in warm climates and
warm alkaline water. It is available dried and freeze-dried.
Spirulina is available in pill or powder form. Most of the spirulina
consumed in the United States is cultivated in a laboratory. There are
many different spirulina species (spp.), only some of which are
identified on labels of commercially available products. Spirulina maxima (cultivated in Mexico) and Spirulina platensis (cultivated in California) are the most popular.
Pediatric
Although spirulina has been used in children (e.g. victims of the
Chernobyl nuclear accident), the safe and effective dose for those
under 18 has not yet been established.
Adult
Consult an appropriate health care provider for the correct dosage of
spirulina. A standard dosage of spirulina is 4 to 6 tablets (500 mg
each) per day.
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with
medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the
supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare provider.
There are no known toxicities associated with spirulina, based on
testing of high doses of this supplement in animals. Spirulina has even
been tested in pregnant animals and no risk to either maternal or fetal
rats and mice was discovered. However, it is not known whether this
will translate to humans. Therefore, it is safest to talk with your
health care provider before taking spirulina if you are pregnant or
breast-feeding.
In addition, those with a metabolic condition called phenylketonuria
(PKU) should discuss potential use of spirulina with their healthcare
provider. This unusual condition is characterized by an inability to
metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. Spirulina is rich in all amino
acids, including phenylalanine. Most likely, it is okay for those with
PKU to use this supplement because the presence of all of the other
essential amino acids balances the high levels of phenylalanine.
However, it is best and safest to check with your healthcare provider
if you have PKU.
There are no reports in the scientific literature to suggest that spirulina interacts with any conventional medications.
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- Review Date:
4/1/2002
- Reviewed By: Participants in the review process include: Ruth
DeBusk, RD, PhD, Editor, Nutrition in Complementary Care, Tallahassee,
FL; Jacqueline A. Hart, MD, Department of Internal Medicine,
Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Harvard University and Senior Medical Editor
Integrative Medicine, Boston, MA; Gary Kracoff, RPh (Pediatric Dosing
section February 2001), Johnson Drugs, Natick, Ma; Steven Ottariono,
RPh (Pediatric Dosing section February 2001), Veteran's Administrative
Hospital, Londonderry, NH. All interaction sections have also been
reviewed by a team of experts including Joseph Lamb, MD (July 2000),
The Integrative Medicine Works, Alexandria, VA;Enrico Liva, ND, RPh
(August 2000), Vital Nutrients, Middletown, CT; Brian T Sanderoff, PD,
BS in Pharmacy (March 2000), Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Mayland School of Pharmacy; President, Your Prescription for
Health, Owings Mills, MD; Ira Zunin, MD, MPH, MBA (July 2000),
President and Chairman, Hawaii State Consortium for Integrative
Medicine, Honolulu, HI.
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