Spirulina's Health Benefits

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae thought to benefit various health conditions. It's packed with nutrients, including B-complex vitamins, beta-carotene, and vitamin E. Spirulina is also high in protein and contains antioxidants, minerals, and chlorophyll.

Uses for Spirulina

Spirulina proponents claim the benefits of spirulina include treatment and/or prevention of the following health problems:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Fatigue

High cholesterol

Viral infections

Stimulation of the immune system

Spirulina Benefits

Few human studies have explored spirulina's health benefits. However, test-tube studies and animal-based research suggest spirulina may help with the following conditions:

1) Allergies

Spirulina holds some promise in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies), according to a research review published in 2009. Indeed, a previously published study of patients with allergic rhinitis found several benefits for spirulina consumption (including improvement in symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, congestion, and itching).

2) Diabetes

In a 2008 study involving 37 people with type 2 diabetes, researchers found those assigned to 12 weeks of spirulina supplementation experienced a significant reduction in blood-fat levels. Spirulina benefits also included a decrease in inflammation and, for some patients, a decrease in blood pressure and cholesterol.

3) Oral Cancer

Spirulina may offer some protection against oral cancer, according to one small study of tobacco chewers with precancerous oral lesions. For 12 months, study members took either a daily dose of spirulina or a placebo. By the study's end, the lesions cleared up in 20 of the 44 participants who had consumed spirulina (compared to three of the 43 participants who'd been assigned to the placebo group).

Is Spirulina Safe?

Given the lack of science behind spirulina's benefits, anyone considering the use of spirulina in treatment of a health condition should make sure to consult his/her physician before taking a spirulina supplement.

As with all supplements, it's also important to consult your health-care provider before using spirulina in combination with other medications and/or supplements.