Spirulina (dietary

supplement)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Spirulina tablets

Spirulina is a human and animal food

or nutritional supplement made primarily from
two species of cyanobacteria: Arthrospira
platensis and Arthrospira maxima.
Arthrospira is cultivated around the world,
used as a human dietary supplement, as well
as awhole food, and is available in tablet,
flake and powder form. It is also used as
a feed supplement in
the aquaculture, aquarium and poultry industr
ies.[1]
 Contents
 [hide]

 1 Etymology
 2 Ecology
 3 Historical use
 4 Cultivation
 5 Nutrient and vitamin content
 6 Possible health benefits and
risks
o 6.1 In vitro research
o 6.2 Animal research
o 6.3 Human research
o 6.4 Weight loss
 7 Organic certification
 8 Advocates
 9 See also
 10 Notes & references
 11 External links

[edit]Etymology
These maxima and platensis species were
once classified in the genus Spirulina. There
is now agreement that they are in
fact Arthrospira; nevertheless, and somewhat
confusingly, the older term Spirulina remains
in use for historical reasons.[1][2]
[edit]Ecology
Main article: Arthrospira
Arthrospira are free-floating filamentous
cyanobacteria characterized by cylindrical,
multicellular trichomes in an open left-
hand helix. They occur naturally in tropical
and subtropical lakes with high pH and high
concentrations
of carbonate and bicarbonate. Arthrospira
platensisoccurs in Africa, Asia and South
America, whereas Arthrospira maxima is
confined to Central America.[1]
[edit]Historical use

An illustration from the Florentine Codexshowing how the

Aztecs harvested spirulina off lakes by skimming the surface
with ropes (right) and then drying the algae into square cakes
which would be eaten as a nourishing condiment (left)
Spirulina was a food source for
the Aztecs and other Mesoamericans until the
16th century; its harvesting from Lake
Texcoco and subsequent sale as cakes is
described by one ofCortés' soldiers.[3][4] The
Aztecs called it Tecuitlatl, meaning stone's
excrement.[citation needed]
Spirulina was found in abundance at Lake
Texcoco by French researchers in the 1960s,
but there is no reference to its use there as a
daily food source after the 16th century.[2] The
first large-scale spirulina production plant, run
by Sosa Texcoco, was established there in
the early 1970s.[1]
Leo Szilard postulated the development of
algae-based food supplements (which he
called "Amruss") in his 1961 short story, The
Voice of the Dolphins.
Spirulina may have an even longer history
in Chad, as far back as the 9th
century Kanem Empire.[citation needed] It is still in
daily use today, dried into cakes called dihé,
which are used to make broths for meals, and
also sold in markets. The spirulina is
harvested from small lakes and ponds
around Lake Chad.[5]
[edit]Cultivation
Most cultivated spirulina is produced in open-
channel raceway ponds, with paddle-wheels
used to agitate the water. The largest
commercial producers of spirulina are located
in the United
States, Thailand, India, Taiwan, China, Pakist
an, Burma (a.k.a. Myanmar) and Chile .[1]
[edit]Nutrient and vitamin content
Spirulina contains between 55% and 77%
protein by dry weight, depending upon the
source.[6][unreliable source?] It is a complete
proteincontaining all essential amino acids,
though with reduced amounts
of methionine, cysteine and lysine when
compared to the proteins of meat, eggs and
milk. It is, however, superior to typical plant
protein, such as that from legumes.[2]
[7]
 Overall, while spirulina is often marketed as
an excellent source of protein, it is no better
in this regard than milk or meat, and is
approximately 30 times more expensive per
gram of protein.[8]
Spirulina is not considered to be a reliable
source of Vitamin B12. The standard B12 assay,
using Lactobacillus leichmannii, shows
spirulina to be a minimal source of
bioavailable vitamin B12.[9] Spirulina
supplements contain predominantly
pseudovitamin B12, which is biologically
inactive in humans.[10] Companies which grow
and market spirulina have claimed it to be a
significant source of B12 on the basis of
alternate, unpublished assays, although their
claims are not accepted by independent
scientific organizations. The American
Dietetic Association andDietitians of
Canada in their position paper
on vegetarian diets state that spirulina cannot
be counted on as a reliable source of active
vitamin B12.[11] The medical literature similarly
advises that spirulina is unsuitable as a
source of B12.[12][10]
Spirulina is rich in gamma-linolenic
acid (GLA), and also provides alpha-linolenic
acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), stearidonic
acid (SDA),eicosapentaenoic
acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
and arachidonic acid (AA).[7][13] It contains
vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin),
B3 (nicotinamide), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic
acid), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin
A and vitamin E.[7][13] It is also a source
of potassium,calcium, chromium, copper, iron
, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selen
ium, sodium and zinc.[7][13] Spirulina contains
many pigments which may be beneficial
and bioavailable, including beta-
carotene, zeaxanthin, chlorophyll-a, xanthoph
yll, echinenone, myxoxanthophyll,canthaxant
hin, diatoxanthin, 3'-hydroxyechinenone, beta
-cryptoxanthin and oscillaxanthin, plus
the phycobiliproteins c-phycocyanin an
dallophycocyanin.[1]
[edit]Possible health benefits and risks
Spirulina contains phenylalanine, which
should be avoided by people who have the
metabolic disorder phenylketonuria, where
the body cannot metabolize this amino acid,
and it builds up in the brain, causing damage.
[14]
 Because spirulina is a dietary supplement,
the United States Food and Drug
Administration does not regulate the
production and quality of the
product. Spirulina is a form of
cyanobacterium, some of which are known to
produce toxins such as microcystins, BMAA,
and others. Currently, no standard exists to
regulate the safety of spirulina.[15]
[edit]In vitro research
Spirulina extract inhibits HIV replication in
human T-cells, peripheral blood mononuclear
cells (PBMC) and Langerhans cells.[16]
An in vitro study in 2008 concluded
that Spirulina may possess iron-
chelating properties. Human neuroblastoma
cells were treated with a toxic amount of iron,
and then treated with Spirulina. When
treated, the iron-induced oxidative stress was
reduced.[17]
[edit]Animal research
Spirulina helps prevent heart damage caused
by chemotherapy using Doxorubicin, without
interfering with its antitumor activity.
[18]
 Spirulina reduces the severity
of strokes and improves recovery of motor
control after a stroke;[19] reverses age-related
declines in memory and learning;[20] and
prevents and treats hay fever.[21]
A study on the metabolism of mice indicates
that it has little effect on their metabolism, and
therefore probably that of humans, too.[22]
A study with diabetic rats concluded
that Spirulina maxima was effective in
correcting the abnormal carbohydrate and
lipid metabolisms caused by
excess fructose within the body.[23]
A 2010 study concluded that a spirulina
dietary supplement was shown to delay the
onset of motor symptoms and disease
progression, reducing inflammatory markers
and motor neuron death in a G93A mouse
model of ALS.[24]
[edit]Human research
In undernourished children with or without
HIV infection, Spirulina has been found to
increase weight gain and correct anemia.
[25]
 Spirulina has been reported as a treatment
for melanosis and keratosis due to
chronic arsenic poisoning.[26]
A study in 2005 found that spirulina protects
against hay fever.[27] A more recent double-
blind, placebo-controlled study in 2008
concerning 150 allergic rhinitis patients found
that Spirulina platensis significantly reduced
the secretion of pro-inflammatory interleukin-
4 by 32%, and the patients experienced
symptomatic relief.[28] Furthermore, Spirulina
was found to reduce the inflammation
involved in arthritis in geriatric patients by
stimulating the secretion of interleukin-2,
which helps in regulating the inflammatory
response.[29][Requires clarification, since IL-2 is typically thought of
as pro-inflammatory]
A 2007 study[30] found that 36 volunteers
taking 4.5 grams of spirulina per day, over a
six week period, exhibited significant changes
incholesterol and blood pressure: (1) lowered
total cholesterol; (2) increased HDL
cholesterol; (3) lowered triglycerides; and (4)
lowered systolicand diastolic blood pressure.
This study, however, did not contain a control
group; researchers cannot be confident that
the changes observed are due totally, or even
partially, to the effects of the Spirulina
maxima, as opposed to
other confounding variables (i.e., history
effects, maturation effects or demand
characteristics). A randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled intervention study
involving geriatric patients determined that
spirulina helped to significantly reduce
the LDL-to-HDL ratio after four months of
supplementation.[29]
A 2007 study concluded that spirulina
improved the antioxidant potential of many
geriatric patients who were administered it for
16 weeks. The plasma of these patients
showed a measured increased level of total
antioxidant status.[29] A double-blind, placebo-
controlled study in 2006 found that spirulina
supplementation decreased the amount
of creatine kinase ( an indicator of muscular
breakdown) in individuals after exercise.
Furthermore, the experimental group's time to
exhaustion during all out treadmill exercise
increased by 52 seconds. These effects were
thought to be due to spirulina's antioxidant
potential.[31]
[edit]Weight loss
According to analysis of research by the US
National Institutes of Health (NIH), taking
spirulina blue-green algae does not seem to
help reduce weight.[32]
[edit]Organic certification
Until recently, much spirulina was certified
organic. In 2002, the USDA's National
Organic Standards Board voted to disallow
the use of Chilean nitrate. They granted a
three-year window to spirulina producers,
which expired in 2006. As a result, leading
spirulina manufacturers have stopped
labeling their spirulina as organic, citing
safety concerns of nitrate alternatives.[33]
[edit]Advocates
The United Nations World Food Conference
in 1974 lauded spirulina as the 'best food for
the future'. Recognizing the inherent potential
of spirulina in the sustainable development
agenda, several Member States of the United
Nations came together to form an
intergovernmental organization named the
Intergovernmental Institution for the use of
Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition
(IIMSAM).[34] IIMSAM aspires to build a
consensus with the UN Member States,
international community and other
stakeholders to make spirulina a key driver to
eradicate malnutrition, achieve food security
and bridge the health divide throughout the
world.
Both NASA (CELSS)[35] and the European
Space Agency (MELISSA)[36] proposed
Spirulina as one of the primary foods to be
cultivated during long-term space missions.
[edit]

What Is Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green algae. It is a simple, one-celled
form of algae that thrives in warm, alkaline fresh-water
bodies. The name "spirulina" is derived from the Latin
word for "helix" or "spiral"; denoting the physical
configuration of the organism when it forms swirling,
microscopic strands.

Spirulina is being developed as the "food of the future"

because of its amazing ability to synthesize high-quality concentrated food more
efficiently than any other algae. Most notably, Spirulina is 65 to 71
percent complete protein, with all essential amino acids in perfect balance. In
comparison, beef is only 22 percent protein.

Spirulina has a photosynthetic conversion rate of 8 to 10 percent, compared to only 3

percent in such land-growing plants as soybeans.

Spirulina also provides high concentrations of many other nutrients - amino acids,
chelated minerals, pigmentations, rhamnose sugars (complex natural plant sugars),
trace elements, enzymes - that are in an easily assimilable form.

Even though it is single-celled, Spirulina is relatively large, attaining sizes of 0.5

millimeters in length. This is about 100 times the size of most other algae, which
makes some individual Spirulina cells visible to the naked eye. Furthermore, the
prolific reproductive capacity of the cells and their proclivity to adhere in colonies
makes Spirulina a large and easily gathered plant mass.

The algae are differentiated according to predominating colorations, and are divided
into blue-green, green, red and brown. Spirulina is one of the blue-green algae due to
the presence of both chlorophyll (green) and phycocyanin (blue) pigments in its
cellular structure.

Even though Spirulina is distantly related to the kelp algae, it is not a sea plant.
However, the fresh-water ponds and lakes it favors are notably more alkaline - in the
range of 8 to 11 pH than ordinary lakes and cannot sustain any other forms of
microorganisms. In addition, Spirulina thrives in very warm waters of 32 to 45
degrees C (approximately 85 to 112 degrees F), and has even survived in
temperatures of 60 degrees C (140 degrees F)

Certain desert-adapted species will survive when their pond habitats evaporate in the
intense sun, drying to a dormant state on rocks as hot as 70 degrees Centigrade (160
degrees F). In this dormant condition, the naturally blue-green algae turns a frosted
white and develops a sweet flavor as its 71 percent protein structure is transformed
into polysaccharide sugars by the heat.

Some scientists speculate that the "manna" of the wandering Israelites, which
appeared miraculously on rocks following a devastating dry spell and was described
as tasting "like wafers made with hone " may have been a form of dried, dormant
Spirulina.

This ability of Spirulina to grow in hot and alkaline environments ensures its hygienic
status, as no other organisms can survive to pollute the waters in which this algae
thrives. Unlike the stereotypical association of microorganisms with "germs" and
"scum", Spirulina is in fact one of the cleanest, most naturally sterile foods found in
nature.

Its adaptation to heat also assures that Spirulina retains its nutritional value when
subject to high temperatures during processing and shelf storage, unlike many plant
foods that rapidly deteriorate at high temperatures.

Spirulina is also unusual among algae because it is a "nuclear plant" meaning it is on

the developmental cusp between plants and animals. It is considered somewhat above
plants because it does not have the hard cellulose membranes characteristic of plant
cells, nor does it have a well-defined nucleus. Yet its metabolic system is based on
photosynthesis, a process of direct food energy production utilizing sunlight and
chlorophyll, which is typical of plant life forms.

In essence, Spirulina straddles that fork in evolutionary development when the plant
and animal kingdoms differentiated. Thus it embodies the simplest form of life. In
contrast, other algae such as Chlorella have developed the hard indigestible walls
characteristic of plants. 

Spirulina
Overview:
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is rich
in protein, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids (a
type of antioxidant that can help protect cells from
damage). It contains nutrients, including B
complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E,
manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and
gamma linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid).
Spirulina -- like any blue-green algae -- can be
contaminated with toxic substances called
microcystins, and can also absorb heavy metals if
any are present in the water where it is grown. For
these reasons, it is important to buy spirulina from
a trusted brand.
Test tube and animal studies suggest spirulina may
boost the immune system, help protect against
allergic reactions, and have antiviral and
anticancer properties. However, there is no proof
that spirulina has these, or any, benefits in
humans. More research is needed to fully
understand how or whether spirulina benefits
people.
Immune Support
A number of animal and test tube studies suggest
that spirulina increases production of antibodies,
cytokines (infection fighting proteins), and other
cells that improve immunity and help ward off
infection and chronic illnesses such as cancer.
However, it has not been tested in humans. In one
clinical trial that involved humans, another type of
blue-green algae called chlorella did not boost the
immune response to flu vaccine.
Protein Supplement
Amino acids make up 62% of spirulina. Because it
is a rich source of protein and other nutrients,
spirulina has been used traditionally as a
nutritional supplement. However, although
spirulina contains a significant amount of protein,
you would need to consume very large quantities
to see any effect. Other sources of protein, such as
nuts, legumes, whole grains, and meat, provide
more efficient nutrition.
Allergic Reactions
Animal and test tube studies suggest that spirulina
may protect against allergic reactions by stopping
the release of histamines (substances that
contribute to allergy symptoms, such as a runny
nose, watery eyes, hives, and soft-tissue swelling).
But whether these preliminary studies will have
any benefit for people with allergies is not known.
Antibiotic-related Illnesses
Although antibiotics destroy unwanted organisms
in the body, they may also kill "good" bacteria
called probiotics (such as Lactobacillus
acidophilus), sometimes causing diarrhea. In test
tubes, spirulina has enhanced the growth of L.
acidophilus and other probiotics. More research is
needed to determine whether spirulina will have
the same effect in people.
Infection
Test tube studies suggest that spirulina has activity
against herpes, influenza, and HIV. But whether
this laboratory finding will translate into any
benefit for people is not known.
Oral Cancer
In one placebo-controlled study, taking spirulina
seemed to reduce a precancerous lesion known as
leukoplasia in people who chewed tobacco. Lesions
were significantly more likely to disappear in the
spirulina group than in the placebo group. More
research in this area is needed.
Liver Disorders
Preliminary evidence suggests that spirulina may
help protect against liver damage and cirrhosis
(liver failure) in those with chronic hepatitis.
Without more research, however, it is impossible
to say whether spirulina offers any real benefit.
Dietary Sources:
Spirulina is a microscopic algae that flourishes in
warm climates and warm alkaline water. It is
available dried and freeze-dried.
Available Forms:
Spirulina is available in pill or powder form, or as
flakes. Most of the spirulina consumed in the
United States is grown in a laboratory. There are
many different spirulina species, only some of
which are identified on labels of commercially
available products. Spirulina maxima (cultivated in
Mexico) and Spirulina platensis (cultivated in
California) are the most popular.
How to Take It:
Pediatric
Although spirulina has been used in children, the
safe and effective dose for those under 18 has not
yet been established. Don't give spirulina to a child
without talking to your doctor first.
Adult
Consult a health care provider to determine the
right dosage for you. A standard dose is 4 - 6
tablets (500 mg each) per day.
Precautions:
Because of the potential for side effects and
interactions with medications, you should take
dietary supplements only under the supervision of
a knowledgeable health care provider.
Spirulina appears safe, even at high doses.
However, it can be contaminated with other
substances that can be toxic. It is important to buy
a reputable brand of spirulina.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your
doctor before taking spirulina.
People with a metabolic condition called
phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid taking
spirulina. People with this rare condition cannot
metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. Spirulina
is rich in all amino acids, including phenylalanine.
If you have an autoimmune disease, such as
multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus,
you should avoid spirulina as it could stimulate
your immune system and make your condition
worse.
Possible Interactions:
There are no reports in the scientific literature to
suggest that spirulina interacts with any
conventional medications. However, it is possible
that spirulina might interfere with drugs given to
suppress the immune system, including:
 Adalimumab (Humira)
 Azathioprine (Imuran)
 Cyclosporine (Neoral)
 Etanercept (Enbrel)
 Infliximab (Remicade)
 Leflunomide (Arava)
 Methotrexate
 Mycophenolate (CellCept)
 Prednisone

Alternative Names:
Arthrospira plantensis; Blue-green algae; Spirulina
fusiformis; Spirulina maxima; Spirulina platensis
 Reviewed last on: 5/6/2009
 Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions
Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in
complementary and alternative medicine,
Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed
Healthcare Network.