Overview

Blue-green algae, better known as spirulina, is one of the most primitive of algae species. In the last ten years, it's been used primarily as a food source because it appears to be a rich source of protein and numerous vitamins and minerals. It's surrounded by controversy because there are those who say algae is a powerful performance enhancer, yet the science has been slow to lend its support. We'll keep our eyes on this one, but we're not setting up any algae tanks in our offices as of yet.

Usage

Amount: Three to five grams of dried herb taken three times daily is typically reported, but doses ranging from one to eight grams per day have been noted.

Timing: Take blue-green algae with meals.

Tip: Currently, the maximum safe dose is 50 grams daily.

In an effort to increase energy, improve performance, enhance protein building and muscle recovery, some athletes have tried blue-green algae. However, it appears that the supplement is most useful for individuals who need greater levels of nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, in case of deficiencies, not those looking for performance benefits like a quick pick-me-up for a workout or race.

Safety Information

Safety:

References

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Becker, E.W., et al., "Clinical and Biochemical Evaluations of the Alga Spirulina with Regard to its Application in the Treatment of Obesity. A Double-Blind Cross-Over Study," Nutr Rep Int 33 (1986) : 565-74.

Dagnelie, P.C., et al., "Vitamin B-12 from Algae Appears not to be Bioavailable," Am J Clin Nutr 53.3 (1991) : 695-7.

Dillon, J.C., et al., "Nutritional Value of the Alga Spirulina," World Rev Nutr Diet 77 (1995) : 32-46.

Hayashi, K., et al., "A Natural Sulfated Polysaccharide, Calcium Spirulan, Isolated from Spirulina platensis: In Vitro and Ex Vivo Evaluation of Anti-Herpes Simplex Virus and Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Activities," AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 12.15 (1996) : 1463-71.

Hayashi, O., et al., "Enhancement of Antibody Production in Mice by Dietary Spirulina platensis," J Nutr Sci Vitaminol 40.5 (1994) : 431-41.

Iwata, K., et al., "Effects of Spirulina platensis on Plasma Lipoprotein Lipase Activity in Fructose-Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats," J Nutr Sci Vitaminol 36.2 (1990) : 165-71.

Jarratt, C.J., et al., "The Children and Algae Report," Center for Family Wellness Study (Harvard, Massachusetts, 1995).

Kim, H.M., et al., "Inhibitory Effect of Mast Cell-Mediated Immediate-Type Allergic Reactions in Rats by Spirulina," Biochem Pharmacol 55.7 (1998) : 1071-6.

Mathew, B., et al., "Evaluation of Chemoprevention of Oral Cancer with Spirulina fusiformis," Nutr Cancer 24.2 (1995) :197-202.

Mishima, T., et al., "Inhibition of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis by Calcium Spirulan (Ca-SP), a Novel Sulfated Polysaccharide Derived from a Blue-Green Alga, Spirulina platensis," Clin Exp Metastasis 16.6 (1998) : 541-50.

Nakaya, N., et al., "Cholesterol Lowering Effect of Spirulina," Nutr Rep Int 37 (1988) : 1329-37.

Qureshi, M.A., and Ali, R.A., "Spirulina platensis Exposure Enhances Macrophage Phagocytic Function in Cats," Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 18.3 (1996) 457-63.

Schwartz, J., et al., "Prevention of Experimental Oral Cancer by Extracts of Spirulina-Dunaliella Algae," Nutr Cancer 11.2 (1988) : 127-34.

Sevulla, I., and Aguiree, N., "Study on the Effects of Super Blue Green Algae," Universidad Centro Americano, Nicaragua, 1995.

Slotton, D.G., et al., "Commercially Grown Spirulina Found to Contain Low Levels of Mercury and Lead," Nutr Rep Int 40 (1989) : 1165-71.