Spirulina

Supplements

Susan Spinasanta
Medical Writer
SpineUniverse
Desert Hot Springs, CA

The Basics

Spirulina (a microalgae) is found around the world in hot, sunny climates and alkaline waters. It is an excellent source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), vitamin B12, vitamin A, and linolenic and arachidonic acids. Spirulina contains a high level of protein, amino acids, and nucleic acids (RNA/DNA). This is a good nutrient source for vegetarians.

It is a very digestible food that protects and stimulates the immune system to fight off many viruses such as herpes simplex, mumps, measles, and the flu. It is beneficial to people with AIDS. Spirulina promotes the formation of red blood cells, maintains healthy skin (treats psoriasis, eczema), treats hypoglycemia (high protein content, controls blood sugar), and may prevent some cancers.

Sources

It is commercially available dried and freeze-dried, and in pill or powder form. The most commonly used products are spirulina maxima (Mexican) and spirulina platensis (California).

Guidelines and Cautions

A standard dose is 500-mg daily. If pregnant/nursing or taking medication on a regular basis, consult a medical professional prior to taking spirulina.

George D. Picetti, III, MD



In reviewing the above supplements several observations were noted. First of all there are no scientific papers that review the efficacy of these supplements in refereed journals. Therefore we are not able to comment on how effective they are on a scientific level. These supplements are not held to the same standards as other medications, and thus the dose and concentration may differ among different brands or companies. Although many people claim to have good results from taking these and other supplements, it is always best to discuss this with your doctor before taking these supplements. If you are taking any supplement and are scheduled for surgery, it is imperative that you tell your surgeon and anesthesiologist. Some of these supplements can cause significant changes in your body’s chemical functions, such as slowing blood clot formation, which can be a serious problem during surgery.

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