side effects of spirulina tablets

If you take spirulina

, it could cause certain side effects, including nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, thirst, weakness, rapid heartbeat, liver damage or shock. This supplement is generally considered safe even when taken in high amounts, however.

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What are the benefits and side effects of spirulina?

Side Effects of Spirulina: Everything You Need to Know

• Side Effects of Spirulina. Spirulina can cause certain side effects if its purchased from a non-reputable company and has become contaminated.
• Benefits of Spirulina. ...
• Even More Potential Applications for Spirulina. ...
• A Final Word From Energetic Lifestyle. ...

Who should not take spirulina?

Spirulina is generally safe to use but may cause allergy, headaches, insomnia, muscle pain, and sweating in some. Because of its possible effect on the immune system, spirulina should be avoided in people with autoimmune diseases or on immunosuppressive therapies. Pregnant and nursing people or those with phenylketonuria should also avoid ...

How to take Spirulina for better effects?

Suggestions include (1):

• A dose of 1-8 g for cholesterol, may give you results.
• Develop your muscles, doses of 2-7.5 g per day have been successfully used
• For blood sugar control, very mild effects have been noticed with as little as 2 g per day
• Blood pressure reductions may be seen with doses of 3.5-4.5 g per day

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What to expect from spirulina side effects?

Where you got the shot:

• redness
• swelling
• pain

What are the side effects of spirulina?

Some minor side effects of spirulina may include nausea, insomnia, and headaches. Still, this supplement is widely considered safe, and most people experience no side effects (2). Spirulina may be contaminated with harmful compounds, thin your blood, and worsen autoimmune conditions.

What happens when you take spirulina everyday?

For example, it can lower total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising “good” HDL cholesterol. In a study in 25 people with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of spirulina per day significantly improved these markers ( 9 ).

Can I take spirulina tablet daily?

How much Spirulina should you take, and when? As a dietary supplement, the recommended minimum amount is three grams daily – one teaspoon of powder or six 500 mg tablets. Since it is a pure and natural food, you may safely take more, to suit your personal health program.

Can spirulina cause liver damage?

Spirulina has been implicated in isolated case reports in causing clinically apparent liver injury, but the role of spirulina as opposed to other herbal components or contaminants has not been shown. Liver injury due to spirulina must be very rare if it occurs at all.

Can spirulina cause weight gain?

Spirulina Calories and Nutrition It takes an extra 3,500 calories over and above your daily needs to gain a pound. A tablespoon of dried spirulina, which is how you're most likely to find it sold, contains only 20 calories, so it would take quite a bit of spirulina to cause weight gain.

What is the best time to take spirulina?

When should I take spirulina? Generally, it doesn't matter how and when you take spirulina, the supplement will still be effective. However, some specialists recommend taking it at least four hours before going to bed.

Should I take spirulina in the morning or at night?

It is best to take spirulina at least four hours before going to bed but altogether, it does not seem to matter whether one should take six tablets at once or two tablets three times a day-most people report feeling benefits whenever and however they take spirulina and it often does not present any problems.

How many spirulina tablets should I take a day?

For adults and teens, recommended dosages range from 3 to 5 g per day, which is between 7 and 12 400 mg organic spirulina tablets per day or a heaping teaspoon of powder.

What is the benefits of spirulina tablets?

Spirulina is rich in a range of vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, like vitamins E, C, and B6. Research finds that spirulina also boosts the production of white blood cells and antibodies that fight viruses and bacteria in your body.

Is spirulina hard on the kidneys?

These researchers, however, go on to suggest that it is not prudent to eat more than 50 g of spirulina daily. The reason they give is that the plant contains a high concentration of nucleic acids, substances related to DNA. When these are metabolized, they create uric acid, which could cause gout or kidney stones.

What organs does spirulina help?

1. Spirulina is known to be alkalizing to the body, which boosts liver function, a necessary element while detoxing. 2. Spirulina contains chlorophyll which is used for “detoxification” by helping remove toxins such as heavy metals and other pollutants from the blood.

Is taking spirulina safe?

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.

What are the health effects of spirulina?

Spirulina varieties infested with contaminants, such as microcystins ( toxins produced by blue-green algae), also give rise to serious gastric ailments like acute dehydration and indigestion.

What is spirulina in water?

Spirulina is free-floating filamentous microalgae growing in alkaline water bodies. Due to its high nutritional value, spirulina has been consumed as food for centuries in Central Africa.

What are the metals in spirulina?

Certain varieties of spirulina that are produced under unrestrained settings are often infested with significant traces of heavy metals, such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and lead.

Where does spirulina come from?

Spirulina harvested from the unrestrained wild sources, such as lakes, ponds, and littered seas, contain toxic strains.

What happens when you have too much iodine in your blood?

The build-up of excessive nutrients, along with iodine, in the blood leads to fluid retention (edema) in your limbs, imbalance in calcium, phosphate, and iodine absorption, and sudden weight gain or loss, lethargy, and cardiovascular diseases. 7. Digestive Discomfort And Nausea. Shutterstock.

Can you take spirulina powder in a smoothie?

People consume spirulina orally in the form of powder, flakes, or tablets for several health benefits. Spirulina powder and flakes are usually added to fruit juices and smoothies. It can have an adverse impact on your health if you do not take it in controlled doses. Read on to find out how.

Is spirulina a foreign substance?

Spirulina is, after all, a foreign body. When you consume it, the body overreacts and amplifies the activity of the immune system. This exacerbates the symptoms of a pre-existing disease or gives rise to severe inflammation ( 1 ). 3. Interferes With Drug Action.

What Is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a biomass of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) that can be consumed by both humans and animals. There are two species of Spirulina, namely Arthrospira platensis and A. maxima.

What is the main active component of spirulina?

The main active component in Spirulina, Phycocyanin, has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Why is spirulina a good food for vegetarians?

Spirulina is a favorite among vegans and vegetarians because it provides high amounts of iron. And unlike the iron derived from meat, it is easier to digest the iron that comes from Spirulina.

Does spirulina lower blood pressure?

High blood pressure is the reason behind many diseases, including heart strokes, attacks, and kidney illness. It is believed that high doses of Spirulina lead to a decrease in blood pressure. Spirulina produces nitric oxide, which helps dilate and relax the blood vessels, thereby decreasing blood pressure. 7.

Is spirulina a protein?

Spirulina contains high amounts of: Protein in spirulina: Spirulina is considered to be a complete source of Protein, i .e. it contains all the proteins that our body needs but is unable to produce by itself. The protein in Spirulina has a net protein utilization rate of 50% to 60%.

Does spirulina help with muscle gain?

Spirulina is known to increase the burning of fats during exercises. It also helps in gaining muscles and helps avoid fatigue. Its high antioxidant properties reduce exercise-induced oxidation which leads to muscle fatigue and inability to gain weight.

Is spirulina a good supplement?

Spirulina is a highly beneficial supplement and can be consumed for a variety of reasons, some of which are listed below.

What are the side effects of spirulina?

These are some of the most common side effects, if spirulina does not suit us well: 1 Thirst and constipation 2 Fever 3 Dizziness 4 Stomach ache 5 Itchy or rash on the skin 6 Headaches 7 Iodine can affect people with hyper or hypothyroidism.

Can you continue to consume a syringe?

In the case of noticing something strange or unusual, experts recommend not continuing to consume it. In this case, if you suffer from any type of disease, it is recommended that you consult a specialist to guide you on how to consume it.

Does spirulina cause hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism occur s when iodine-rich products such as spirulina are consumed on a regular basis; it can contribute to the development of hyperthyroidism or worsen thyroid symptoms. This occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, this can lead to insomnia, high heart rate, weight loss, and anxiety.

Is spirulina good for you?

Spirulina is an algae known for being a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals. This supplement has a great nutritional value, in addition to having a powerful satiating effect for those who consume it because they want to eat less and lose weight.

Does spirulina cause constipation?

For this reason, taking it under various circumstances can lead to different side effects that can range from constipation to anxiety. These are some of the most common side effects, if spirulina does not suit us well: Thirst and constipation. Fever. Dizziness.

Is spirulina a medicine?

Spirulina has great properties that range from its antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory factors, to its benefits to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. However, you must mark by fire that spirulina is not a medicine, so you must always take it in the appropriate doses.

Can you take spirulina with water?

It does not matter if it is in powder, capsules or tablets, spirulina can be used as a complement to a balanced diet. It can be taken 15 minutes before each meal with two glasses of water to promote weight loss. In most cases, this seaweed is sold as a “superfood” and a supplement that is the most nutritious in the world.

What happens if you don't take spirulina?

8. Stomach Disorders: If you do not take the right dosage and end up consuming high dosages of spirulina, then it can result in various stomach disorders like diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, etc. So if you are facing any of these symptoms while consuming spirulina, stop using it. 9. Kidney Problems:

What is spirulina powder?

Known for its high content of nutrients, spirulina also consists of iron, vitamin B12 and 8 essential and 10 non-essential amino acids. Health conscious people have embraced this supplement and they ensure that they include it in their diet.

What are the effects of phenylalanine on children?

Phenylketonuria: Phenylketonuria is a birth defect where phenylalanine, an amino acid builds up in the body. If left untreated, it can lead to seizures, mental retardation, brain damage and behavioural symtopms.

Can spirulina cause rapid heartbeat?

Rapid Heartbeat: This is definitely the most harmful side effect of using spirulina. If your spirulina is contaminated and is not completely free of mycrocystins, then you can face side effects like rapid heartbeat and shock and can also cause death.

Is spirulina bad for you?

Health conscious people have embraced this supplement and they ensure that they include it in their diet. But like every other supplement out there, spirulina too has a set of side effects which can make it harmful for your body.

Can you take spirulina if you are on immunosuppressants?

It can decrease the effect of your medication so it would be better if you don’t take spirulina if you are on some other medications like immunosuppressants. You can always consult your physician and use it if you get the go ahead. 8.

Does spirulina contain mercury?

The reason being that spirulina from such sources can contain traces of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium. [ Read: Possible Olive Leaf Extract Side Effects ] 7. Interaction With Drugs: Consuming spirulina can interfere negatively with you other medications.

What is this product used for?

Spirulina is used by some people to help with allergies and asthma. Others believe it will help fight infections. Some people believe it will help with cancer. Spirulina is used by some people to help with diabetes or high cholesterol levels. Others may use it to help with mouth sores. It may also be used to help with weight loss.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.

When do I need to call the doctor?

Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

Consumer information use

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Why do people take spirulina?

The major reason why many nutrition experts prefer spirulina to chlorella? Dietary spirulina is arguably the most nutrient-dense food on the planet. It’s why taking dietary spirulina supplements is essential to good health. Taken as an average of different spirulina species, just one ounce delivers the following nutrients:

What Is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a type of blue-green microalgae that is able to grow in both fresh and salt water and is consumed by humans and other animals . There are two species of the spirulina plant, including Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima are cultivated worldwide and used both as a dietary supplement (in tablet, flake and powder form) and even whole food — and even for livestock and fish feed.

What is the name of the plant that grows in the spirulina plant?

There are two species of the spirulina plant, including Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima are cultivated worldwide and used both as a dietary supplement (in tablet, flake and powder form) and even whole food — and even for livestock and fish feed.

How long do rabbits need spirulina?

A recent animal study published in The Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology took rabbits, fed them a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) containing 0.5 percent cholesterol for four weeks, and then fed them a HCD with 1 percent or 5 percent spirulina for an additional eight weeks.

Which is healthier, chlorella or spirulina?

Finally, although both are considered superfoods, spirulina and chlorella differ in their nutritional content. Arguably the healthier of the two, spirulina contains more essential amino acids, iron, protein, B vitamins, and vitamins C, D and E.

Where is spirulina grown?

Grown around the world from Mexico to Africa to even Hawaii, spirulina is renowned for its intense flavor and even more powerful nutrition profile.

What is the best place to grow spirulina?

Second, the growing conditions differ considerably. Spirulina grows best in low-alkaline conditions — particularly, fresh water lakes, ponds and rivers. It also requires an abundance of sunshine and moderate temperatures.

What is the taste of spirulina?

Spirulina has a bitter taste, so people often mix it with yogurts, juices, and smoothies to improve its flavor. Spirulina is commonly available as a supplement at health food stores.

What is spirulina good for?

Spirulina is rich in a range of vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining a healthy immune system , like vitamins E, C, and B6. Research finds that spirulina also boosts the production of white blood cells and antibodies that fight viruses and bacteria in your body.

Does spirulina help with HIV?

Laboratory studies show that spirulina can fight herpes, flu, and HIV — though much more research is needed to test these effects in humans.

Does spirulina help with triglycerides?

These are fats in your blood that can contribute to the hardening of arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and pancreatitis . Spirulina increases nitric oxide production in your body as well, which helps your blood vessels relax.

Does spirulina have magnesium?

Spirulina also contains magnesium. This mineral supports normal daily functions like muscle use and your heartbeat. It’s also responsible for producing protein and creating energy — but most people don’t get enough in their diet.

Does spirulina cause cancer?

Chronic inflammation contributes to cancer and other diseases. Phycocyanin — the a plant pigment that gives spirulina its blue-green color — has been found to not only reduce inflammation in the body, but also block tumor growth and kill cancer cells.

Is spirulina a plant based protein?

Spirulina is a potent source of nutrients. It contains a powerful plant-based protein called phycocyanin. Research shows this may have antioxidant, pain-relief, anti-inflammatory, and brain-protective properties. This antioxidant and other nutrients in spirulina are linked with several health benefits: