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- MedlinePlus: Blue-Green Algae
- Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences: Heavy Metal Analysis in Commercial Spirulina Products for Human Consumption
- Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences: Heavy Metal Analysis in Commercial Spirulina Products for Human Consumption
- EXS: Heavy Metal Toxicity and the Environment
- EXS: Heavy Metal Toxicity and the Environment
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Spiruina most often is considered a health food, but there may be little-known dangers lurking within this popular blue-green algae 2. While spirulina might help promote good health though its complete nutritional profile, do not overlook the dangers associated with this nutritional supplement. The risks are related to the fact that spirulina is grown in water that potentially can be contaminated with dangerous substances.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Spirulna Uses
Spiulina is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help protect the body from damage. In addition, spirulina is 62 percent amino acids, making it high in protein. While spirulina is not officially approved to treat or prevent any disease, its high concentrations of nutrients make it useful for supporting good health.
- Spiulina is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help protect the body from damage.
- While spirulina is not officially approved to treat or prevent any disease, its high concentrations of nutrients make it useful for supporting good health.
Contamination by Toxins
Spirulina Pros & Cons
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All types of blue-green algae can become contaminated with toxins known as microcystins, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns 12. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, release toxins when they die 2. Of these toxins, microcystins are of the greatest concern, due to the fact that they are toxic to the liver, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes 3. In addition, microcystins can irritate the skin, eyes and throat. MedlinePlus reports that contaminated blue-green algae can cause:
- a number of symptoms
- including nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- thirst
- weakness
- liver damage
- death 2
Contamination by Heavy Metals
Another potential danger of spirulina is heavy metal contamination. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that heavy metals in the water can be absorbed by algae 1. One study published in 2013 in "Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences" sampled 25 commercial spirulina products and found concentrations of six heavy metals 4. Study authors say lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic are most likely to contaminate spirulina products. Each of these heavy metals can produce organ damage, even at lower levels of exposure.
- Another potential danger of spirulina is heavy metal contamination.
- Each of these heavy metals can produce organ damage, even at lower levels of exposure.
Choosing a Safe Spirulina Product
Chlorella Vs. Spirulina
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To avoid the dangers of spirulina, purchase it from a trusted manufacturer. One way to do this is to look for seals that represent third-party testing -- for example, the NSF seal indicates that the seller uses Good Manufacturer Practices, a set of quality guidelines set by the National Sanitation Foundation 6.
Related Articles
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Spirulina
- MedlinePlus: Blue-Green Algae
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Drinking Water Treatability Database - Microcystins
- Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences: Heavy Metal Analysis in Commercial Spirulina Products for Human Consumption
- EXS: Heavy Metal Toxicity and the Environment
- National Sanitation Foundation: Dietary Supplements GMP Registration
- U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention: USP Dietary Supplement Standards
- Park HJ, Lee YJ, Ryu HK, Kim MH, Chung HW, Kim WY. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study to establish the effects of spirulina in elderly Koreans. Ann Nutr Metab. 2008;52(4):322-8. doi:10.1159/000151486
- Man LX. Complementary and alternative medicine for allergic rhinitis. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2009 17(3):226-31. doi:10.1097/MOO.0b013e3283295791
- Cingi C, Conk-Dalay M, Cakli H, Bal C. The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2008 265(10):1219-23. doi:10.1007/s00405-008-0642-8
- Lee EH, Park JE, Choi YJ, Huh KB, Kim WY. A randomized study to establish the effects of spirulina in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Nutr Res Pract. 2008 2(4):295-300. doi:10.4162/nrp.2008.2.4.295
- Mani UV, Desai S, Iyer U. Studies on the Long-Term Effect of Spirulina Supplementation on Serum Lipid Profile and Glycated Proteins in NIDDM Patients. Journal of Nutraceuticals, Functional & Medical Foods, 2000;2:3, 25-32. doi:10.1300/J133v02n03_03
- Mathew B, Sankaranarayanan R, Nair PP, et al. Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with Spirulina fusiformis. Nutr Cancer. 1995;24(2):197-202. doi:10.1080/01635589509514407
- Torres-duran PV, Ferreira-hermosillo A, Juarez-oropeza MA. Antihyperlipemic and antihypertensive effects of Spirulina maxima in an open sample of Mexican population: a preliminary report. Lipids Health Dis. 2007;6:33. doi:10.1186/1476-511X-6-33
- U. V. Mani, S. Desai & U. Iyer (2000) Studies on the Long-Term Effect of Spirulina Supplementation on Serum Lipid Profile and Glycated Proteins in NIDDM Patients. Journal of Nutraceuticals, Functional & Medical Foods, 2:3, 25-32. doi:10.1300/J133v02n03_03
- Miczke A, Szulińska M, Hansdorfer-Korzon R, et al. Effects of spirulina consumption on body weight, blood pressure, and endothelial function in overweight hypertensive Caucasians: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2016;20(1):150-6.
Writer Bio
Clay McNight is currently a nutrition writer with Demand Media Studios.