Natural Products

Spirulina

Spirulina platensis, Spirulina maxima

Efficacy

• Indications with proven efficacy:
  Source of dietary proteins and iron
• Indications with proof that it is not effective:
  Source of dietary vitamin B12
• Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy - the use of this product cannot be recommended:
  Oral leukoplakia
• Also used for these other indications, but with no proof of efficacy:
  As a protection during chemotherapy and radiation therapy
  Hyperlipidemia
  To enhance the production of antibodies
  Weight loss

Security

• Risk of Drug Interactions: Low
• Adverse Effects: Rare

What is it?

Spirulina is a microscopic aquatic plant, a blue-green algae. It is naturally found in warm waters with high-salt, alkaline content. When present in large quantities, it can give water a dark-green coloration. Commercial spirulina is cultivated in large reservoirs before being harvested.

Spirulina contains about 65% proteins, B-vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, zinc and carotenoids. The quality of proteins found in spirulina is inferior to that of meat.

Spirulina is available in tablets, capsules and powder.

Warning

In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) or homeopathic medicine number (DIN-HM) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.

Medicinal plants content varies naturally from plant to plant – just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.

For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.

Does it work?

Spirulina is only recognized for its nutritional value, as a source of protein. It may be useful in the treatment of oral leukoplakia (lesions of the oral mucosa) in smokers.

• Source of dietary protein and iron:
  Spirulina appears to be a valid source of proteins. However, it is not a better source than meat or milk. It is estimated to cost up to 30 times as much as beef, on a per gram basis. The typical dose is 3 to 5 grams daily, taken before meals.
• Oral leukoplakia:
  Available data are limited, but spirulina is thought to be useful in the treatment of oral leukoplakia. There are not precise dosage recommendations available.

There is insufficient reliable information to conclude that spirulina is effective in any other indication.

Is it safe?

• Spirulina is not associated with any specific toxicity. These microscopic alga may however absorb pollutants found in their environment, such as mercury, lead, arsenic, which could be harmful. Spirulina can also be contaminated by bacteria, especially when "cultivated" in water contaminated with animal waste.
• Spirulina might exacerbate phenylketonuria and should be avoid in this condition.
• Since there is no safety data available concerning its use during pregnancy and breast-feeding, pregnant and lactating women should not take spirulina.

Clinical notes

• Spirulina is a costly source of dietary proteins. Furthermore, the risk of it being contaminated by heavy metals or bacteria is not negligible.

References

1. Facts & Comparisons, The Lawrence review of natural products, 1998
2. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2007
3. Lininger S. et Al. The Natural Pharmacy, Prima Health, 1998
4. Passeportsanté.net. Spiruline. http://www.passeportsante.net