Spirulina

Encyclopedia : S : SP : SPI : Spirulina

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Spirulina is a genus of filamentous cyanobacteria (commonly called blue-green algae), with a coil-like shape. ITIS recognises 13 species.

Spirulina is also the commercial name for the species Arthrospira platensis (previously known as Spirulina platensis), which is cultivated around the world as a food source. It is a very rich source of nutrition. In fact, it was a staple of Aztec cuisine. The genus is also responsible for the flamingo's pink plumage.

It is currently popular as a health food in North America and Europe, often taken as a dietary supplement in the form of powder or tablet.

Vegetarians and vegans should not rely on spirulina (among certain other foods) as a source of vitamin B12. See the B12 article for more information.

Nutritional facts

Spirulina is a low fat, low calorie, cholesterol-free source of protein containing all the essential amino acids. It helps combat problems like diabetes, anemia and atmospheric pollution. It contains antioxidants, and therefore helps to defend against 'free radicals', which are believed to be a major factor in aging and can lead to ailments like cancer, arthritis, and cataracts. Moreover, the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) present in spirulina dissolves fat deposits, helps prevent heart problems and reduces "bad cholesterol". The National Cancer Institute, USA, has additionally announced that sulfolipids in spirulina are remarkably active against HIV. Regular intake of spirulina increases anti-viral activity, stimulates the immune system, reduces kidney toxicity, improves wound healing, and reduces radiation sickness.

However there is little scientific evidence of the nutritional value of spirulina and blue-green algae and there are many respected sources, such as [The Berkeley Wellness Letter] who believe there are none. Moreover it has been suggested that such supplements can be easily contaminated with microcystins and heavy metals (see above link). A court in California deemed thirty health claims made by one supplement producer to be unproven. From the ruling: "[The] defendant's advertising as to the need for and benefits from defendant's product imply that there is some reliable scientific basis for the claims such as would be reasonably expected by potential users. There is not." ([more details of court ruling]). At this point all claims regarding the health and nutritional benefits of spirulina and blue-green algae should be viewed with skepticism.

Contains

vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, folate, vitamin K, biotin, pantothenic acid, beta carotene (source of vitamin A), inositol.

Minerals: calcium, manganese, iron, chromium, phosphorus, molybdenum, iodine, chloride, magnesium, sodium, zinc, potassium, selenium, germanium, copper, boron.

Contains: phycocyanin, chlorophyll, carotenoids.

Contains: myxoxanthophyll, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, echinenone and other xanthophylls.

gamma linolenic acid, glycolipids, sulfolipids, polysaccharides.

Amino acids: isoleucine, phenylalanine, leucine, threonine, lysine, tryptophan, methionine, valine, alanine, glycine, arginine, histidine, aspartic acid, proline, cystine, serine, glutamic acid, tyrosine.

The recommended daily intake is 1-3 grams of spirulina

References

• [Spirulina Homepage]
• [A review of Spirulina (Arthrospira)]

 

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