Bluegreen algae products that are free of contaminants, such as liverdamaging substances called microcystins, toxic metals, and harmful bacteria, are. Spirulina is a bluegreen algae that is usually consumed either in powder form or as a supplement. Find patient medical information for spirulina on webmd including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings. Feb 19, 2020 effects for fatty liver have been seen at doses of 4. The volunteers took 8 grams of spirulina supplements, or a placebo, a day for 16 weeks.
One study examined 87 people from india with precancerous lesions called oral submucous. Pdf potential health benefits of spirulina microalgae. Oct 19, 2010 spirulina refers to the dried biomass of arthrospira platensis, an oxygenic photosynthetic bacterium found worldwide in fresh and marine waters. The biggest exceptions have to do with dose and source.
Spirulina is known as a nutrientdense food as it is packed full of vitamins. Moreover spirulina has got no side effects and is nontoxic in nature. People with allergies to seafood, seaweed, and other sea vegetables should avoid spirulina. Spirulina poses no dangers when taken in the recommended dosage. Spirulina powder must be diluted in water, tea or fruit juice. Research on spirulinas health benefits has been farranging. Oct 05, 2018 spirulinas effects on oral cancer or cancer of the mouth have been particularly well studied. However some cases of adverse effects have been reported from its use, such as users experiencing exacerbating skin breakouts, nausea, insomnia or fever. Uses, side effects, interactions, dosage, and warning. A strong immune system is the basis for good health. Spirulina benefits, nutrition, dosage and side effects dr. Spirulina classified as a cyanobacteria, or bluegreen algae has been used for centuries as a food source in other countries. Spirulina, a supplement made from bluegreen algae, is well.
These are even more likely with a higher dosage or. Learn more about bluegreen algae uses, effectiveness, possible side effects, interactions, dosage, user ratings and products that contain bluegreen algae. Research on spirulina s health benefits has been farranging. One 2008 study tested spirulina s lipidlowering effects on 78 adults, ages 60 and 87. See more ideas about spirulina, side effects and what is spirulina. My left kidney was removed 8 years ago after being dammaged while removing kidney stones during an operation. Nutritional and toxicological aspects of spirulina arthrospira. Jan 23, 2020 as for chlorella, aphanizomenon and spirulina side effects, the most common complaints among participants were diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and skin rash. Avoid spirulina if you have an autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis or.
This alga represents an important staple diet in humans and has been used as a source of protein and vitamin supplement in humans without any significant sideeffects. Spirulina has been a standard source of nutrition for a number of years. Spirulina is about 20% cphycocyanin by weight, and about 1% phycocyanobilin by weight. In contrast to most vegetable matter, spirulina does not have a cell wall made of cellulose, thereby making it easily digestible. For both chlorella and spirulina, some of the most common side effects you hear about are diarrheaconstipation, flatulence, green discoloration of the stools, stomach cramping, and nausea. Because of the high nucleic acid content of spirulina, it can give you. What are the benefits and side effects of spirulina. The dose of spirulina you take will depend on the form in which you take it, as different types have varying amount of spirulina in them. In one study 100, spirulina was administrated to pregnant rats from days 114, 121 and 714 of gestation with increasing doses from 0 to 30g100g body. Of all the algae, spirulina has emerged as the most potent and nutritious food. The dosage range of 200mgkg cphycocyanin 1gkg spirulina converted to human equivalent doses from rats is approximately. Spirulina and liver health go together in a good way and there are clinical studies to back this claim up. The origin of spirulina or introduction to its side effects.
Taking less than 50 grams per day should be relatively safe with no notable side effects. Current research is focused towards the discovery of new substances with neuroprotective properties with little or no side effects. Some customers have shown side effects such as nausea, vomiting and gastric issues with some brands of chlorella tablets. Spirulinas effects on oral cancer or cancer of the mouth have been particularly well studied. Effects for fatty liver have been seen at doses of 4.
Pdf spirulina, linking bacteria and plants is primitive, has a simple structure. Of these, arthrospira platensis is the most common and widely available spirulina and most of the published research and public health decision refers to this specific species. This explains the very high digestibility of its proteins 8390% in ordinary dried spirulina, as against 95. Spirulina appears to be safe, even at high doses, according to university of maryland medical center. Although spirulina has been around for millions of years, its widespread popularity as a. Review for application and medicine effects of spirulina, microalgae.
This alga represents an important staple diet in humans and has been used as a source of protein and vitamin supplement in humans without any significant side effects. Potential side effects of spirulina there may be a slight plant flavour to spirulina powder, so some choose to take it in a pill form instead. These are even more likely with a higher dosage or when you first include them in your diet. Chlorella is likely safe when taken by mouth, shortterm up to 29 weeks. The vast majority of spirulina side effects can be avoided by simply taking the correct dose. Bluegreen algae may have blood thinning effects and it may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding if combined with blood thinning medications like warfarin coumadin, aspirin, clopidogrel plavix, and pain medications like naproxen aleve, naprosyn, ibuprofen motrin, and diclofenac voltaren. Spirulina is used by some people to help with allergies and asthma. Concerns exist as to the unwarranted side effects of radiother. Specific elements that contribute to the nutrition value spirulina provides are. Jul 17, 2019 spirulina is used by some people to help with allergies and asthma. Certain preexisting medical conditions namely renal failure and hypothyroidism, but not hashimotos thyroiditis reportedly contributed to an increase in side effects. Hypolipidemic, antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. Spirulina is used by some people to help with diabetes or high cholesterol levels. Apr 26, 2020 most people taking spirulina dont experience any side effects, at least none that last for very long.
People of all ages also take spirulina for its cleansing effect and its ability to help. Whereas prolonged use of large amounts of vitamin a can cause skin rashes. Although few adverse effects are associated with the use of spirulina, consuming spirulina may cause headaches, allergic reactions, muscle pain, sweating, and insomnia in some cases. Homair, which is a scoring of insulin resistance tended to be lower in chlorellafed rats. Spirulina contains a rich mixture of protein, vitamins and other nutrients. Cholesterollowering effects and effects on diabetes. Bluegreen algae products that are free of contaminants, such as liverdamaging substances called microcystins, toxic. Many side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs include hair loss, mouth sores, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and fatigue 18. In case you notice any of the symptoms we have discussed, refrain from taking spirulina and visit your doctor. The benefits of chlorella and spirulina are very similar because both have a concentrated balance of nutrients shown to help cleanse and detoxify the body, and. One study shows that taking 500 mg of spirulina bluegreen algae by mouth. Spirulina is a pure nutritional supplement and taking only 50 grams of spirulina should not lead to any side effects, due to the simple fact it has about 70% of essential protein. For acute issues that respond to a super nutrient like spirulina, higher doses can be used, but only for a short period of time.
However, the advice is not to exceed 5 grams per day to avoid side effects such as diarrhea, nausea or fever. Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of death in developed countries. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Spirulina refers to the dried biomass of arthrospira platensis, an oxygenic photosynthetic bacterium found worldwide in fresh and marine waters. Spirulina is available in capsules, tablets, and powder and has been incorporated in certain foods and beverages such as energy bars, popcorn, and smoothies. Chlorella is said to be higher in chlorophyll maybe even double the amount. Microalgae like spirulina have been used for decades with limited or no side effects. A study in the 2009 nutrition research and practice demonstrates that chlorellafed diabetic rats tend to have lower levels of fasting glucose than diabetic rats without chlorella 2 3.
Spirulina is produced in nature hence, more often than not. Although spirulina has been around for millions of years, its widespread popularity as a food is very recent. Spirulina supplement health benefits, dosage, side effects. Spirulina is very concentrated and a little goes a long way. Scenedesmus, spirulina cells do not have cellulose walls, but a relatively fragile envelope of murein 3, 10, 27. Although rare, certain side effects may occur as a result of consuming spirulina. Both chlorella and spirulina have been studied for the benefits they provide to diabetic patients 2. Albeit, a few people may witness some symptoms after consuming spirulina, which may include.
So far medical tests have reported no harmful or toxic effects to humans from the consumption of spirulina. The antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects have been documented in the literature. Consuming a lot of the algae at once can overwhelm the body, which usually detracts from the overall health benefits the supplement is meant to impart. As for chlorella, aphanizomenon and spirulina side effects, the most common complaints among participants were diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and skin rash. Learn more about bluegreen algae uses, benefits, side effects. Remember always to keep your physician informed about the dosage and the way your body reacts to spirulina. Some of the minor side effects of spirulina may include nausea, insomnia, and headaches. There are only a few reasons why it might be bad for your liver which i cover at the end. Its a nutrient that is considered to be one the oldest life forms on earth and has been used for centuries. Pdf the beneficial effects of spirulina focusing on its. Some side effects of methimazole may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Spirulina are multicellular and filamentous bluegreen microalgae belonging to two separate genera spirulina and arthrospira and consists of about 15 species. Possible side effects include muscle pain, headache, gastrointestinal problems and swelling.
The most common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, gas flatulence, green. However, some reactions have been noted anecdotally. Apr 08, 2019 side effects not requiring immediate medical attention. Potential health benefits of spirulina are mainly due to its chemical composition, which includes proteins, carbohydrates, essential amino acids. Here we have summarized the available information concerning the human clinical potential and applications of spirulina, as well as clinical data related to the safety and side effects of spirulina.
What is spirulina powder, what are the nutritional benefits and potential side effects and is it safe for everyone. Spirulina, chlorella side effects may put you in wheelchair. When talking of spirulina side effects, it is important to understand what it is in its essence. Some people, however, may experience side effects such as headache, sweating, nausea, difficulty concentrating and flushing of the face. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Spirulina may also cause a lowgrade fever, according to a 1993 study published in the journal of applied phycology. Known as the superfood of superfoods, spirulina is a bluegreen algae that packs quite the punch. However, as in most dietary supplements, taking exceedingly large doses can cause unwanted spirulina side effects. Stomach aches have been reported, as have mild itches and rashes. Still, this supplement is widely considered safe, and most people experience no side effects 2.
In fact, spirulina is the most concentrated and nutritious whole food known to science. I highly recommend spirulina for short term healing and as a nutritional supplement. To determine whether spirulina feeding have any side effects on the growth and development of embryo and fetus, four animal studies with pregnant rats have been conducted 100103. Spirulina, a supplement made from bluegreen algae, is. Thus spirulina requires no cooking or special treatment to increase the availability of its. Spirulina has a blend of nutrients that no single plant source can provide. Adverse effects of chlorella consumption of chlorella as a nutraceutical has initiated investigations to find any possible side effects that it may cause. Spirulina is classified as a simple onecell organism, which falls between alga and bacteria.