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Spirulina May Be a Superfood, but These Are the Benefits and Risks to Keep in Mind

If you follow health and wellness trends, odds are you've heard of spirulina. Known as a type of superfood, this algae has a high concentration of antioxidants and nutrients. It also has the potential to support your immune system, eye health and healthy cholesterol while lowering blood pressure. However, research on spirulina is ongoing and there are some risks you should keep in mind.

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 Dietitians Explain the Science Behind Spirulina Supplements

Spirulina grows in both fresh and saltwater, but supplement sourcing of the superfood isn’t always clear, depending on the brand you buy it from. That's one of the big scares of taking the supplement, Keaveney says. “I don’t think that a lot of people who take spirulina know where it comes from, and I think that’s important to know. Was it made in a lab? Was it made in the ocean? In a pond? In your backyard pool, or in a swamp?” And, since it is a dietary supplement, spirulina is not regulated by the Food & Drug Administration—meaning, no agency is regulating where the supplement is sourced from, either.

 These Spirulina Benefits Will Make a Splash

Here, everything you need to know about this so-called "superfood," including how to add the blue-green ingredient to your diet.

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Beneficial Effects of Spirulina Consumption on Brain Health

Spirulina is a microscopic, filamentous cyanobacterium that grows in alkaline water bodies. It is extensively utilized as a nutraceutical food supplement all over the world due to its high levels of functional compounds, such as phycocyanins, phenols and polysaccharides, with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulating properties both in vivo and in vitro.

By the way, doctor: Is spirulina good for you?

Spirulina — classified as a cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae — has been used for centuries as a food source in other countries. Spirulina is available in capsules, tablets, and powder and has been incorporated in certain foods and beverages such as energy bars, popcorn, and smoothies. An Internet search returns hundreds of suppliers from around the world promoting spirulina's supposed health benefits.

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Chlorella vs. Spirulina: Which Superfood Algae Is Right for You?

Chlorella and spirulina may benefit people seeking a good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids. Neither is considered better than the other. Choosing one or the other depends on your current condition and your reasons for using algae to support your health goals.

Is Spirulina Good for You? 12 Health Benefits

Scientists are still exploring the health benefits of spirulina. This cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may aid in weight loss, lower cholesterol, and regulate blood sugar if you take it daily.

Is spirulina the new kale? A Thai startup is bringing back the tiny green algae

EnerGaia is using the rooftop of a Bangkok Novotel to harvest spirulina, an algae some are calling the spinach of the future.

Spirulina Health Benefits, Risks, Side Effects, and How to Store

Spirulina is labeled a superfood, and holistic health experts and TikTok influencers swear it as a game-changer for your health. But nutritionists warn there is. “If people choose to consume supplements or foods containing it, they should be aware of the scientific strength of the health claims on the product and that there is often a need for further research,” explains Emma Laing, Ph.D., R.D.N., the director of dietetics at the University of Georgia and a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Spirulina in Clinical Practice: Evidence-Based Human Applications

Spirulina or Arthrospira is a blue-green alga that became famous after it was successfully used by NASA as a dietary supplement for astronauts on space missions. It has the ability to modulate immune functions and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the release of histamine by mast cells. Multiple studies investigating the efficacy and the potential clinical applications of Spirulina in treating several diseases have been performed and a few randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews suggest that this alga may improve several symptoms and may even have an anticancer, antiviral and antiallergic effects.

Spirulina: a luxury health food and a panacea for malnutrition

In the West spirulina is a niche healthfood product, but it can be used to fight malnutrition and empower the farmers in developing countries.

The Benefits of Spirulina and How It Can Help Your Running

Long before green juices became popular, spirulina has been considered a healthy ingredient by indigenous cultures. Because of scientific research showing its many benefits, astronauts have even brought spirulina products into space for their nutritional advantage.

Why spirulina is back in a big way

Spirulina was big in the 70s but the blue-green algae is making a comeback.

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8 Spirulina Health Benefits—Plus, When to Avoid It

"Spirulina, like other algae, is very sensitive to the environment in which it’s grown," Manian says. "This means it can absorb all of the healthy nutrients we’re after when consuming it, but it also means it can absorb harmful substances like heavy metals and environmental toxins."