Can Spirulina Replace Multivitamins?

Spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, contain a number of nutrients, including fiber, protein, the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid, iron, B vitamins, vitamin E, copper, zinc, manganese, beta carotene and selenium 2. While research is still very preliminary, spirulina supplements may also provide a number of health benefits. However, you may be better off with a multivitamin for meeting your daily vitamin and mineral needs.

Multivitamins

Multivitamins usually contain most or all of the vitamins and minerals for which there is an RDA, or recommended dietary allowance. Some multivitamins also contain other ingredients, but these are not necessary and may not be helpful. Stick with vitamins that contain 100 percent or less of the daily value for each ingredient and have the USP, or United States Pharmacopeia, seal on the label.

Spirulina vs. Multivitamins

Spirulina Side Effects

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Spirulina supplements will not contain as many different vitamins and minerals as most multivitamins, and they aren't formulated to have an optimal amount of each vitamin and mineral so they may not consistently contain the same amounts of vitamins and minerals. Multivitamins with the USP symbol are also free of contaminants, which may not be true in the case of spirulina supplements.

Spirulina Risks

Only choose spiralina supplements from a trusted manufacturer, as blue-green algae like spirulina sometimes contain substances called microcystins that are toxic and may be concentrated sources of heavy metals, including lead, if these were present in the water where the spirulina was harvested 2. Spirulina may also be contaminated with bacteria. You shouldn't take spirulina supplements if you are pregnant, suffer from an auto immune disease or PKU or take medications that suppress the immune system.

Considerations

Vitamin D2 Dangers

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Although many people take multivitamins as an insurance policy to make sure they meet the recommended intakes for these vitamins and minerals, most people don't actually need to take either multivitamins or spirulina. Multivitamins are most important if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, if you do not spend much time in the sun or if you are elderly, as calcium and vitamin D may lower your risk for osteoporosis and a combination of other vitamins and minerals may lower your risk for macular degeneration.