An allergic reaction may be possible in those allergic to spirulina. 1 Allergic reactions would include rash or swelling. Immediately stop using spirulina if you begin to experience side effects and call your healthcare provider. Spirulina is generally safe, but some people have reported the following with its use: 1
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 ...
Is spirulina good or bad?
While spirulina is safe, it’s important to be aware of potential dangers and to get it from a trusted and proven source. Many commercially-available brands of spirulina have low levels of heavy metals that do not fall within an unsafe range, according to a study published in the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences in 2013.
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
Is it possible to be allergic to spirulina?
Yes, some people are allergic to spirulina. One moderately sized study found that people who had another allergy were more likely to have allergic reactions to cyanobacteria, of which spirulina is one (Bernstein, 2011). If you suspect you may be allergic, talk to your healthcare provider who may be able to perform a noninvasive sensitivity test.
What is 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.
Can you get a rash from spirulina?
Based on information from iGuard.org, a free medication monitoring service, 12% of patients experience side effects while taking spirulina. Some of the side effects reported by iGuard members include itching and rash.
Can spirulina cause anaphylaxis?
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Spirulina is also an interesting alternative and sustainable protein source with the growing world population. We present a case of a 17-year-old male, who developed anaphylaxis the first time he ingested a Spirulina tablet.
Does spirulina contain shellfish?
Spirulina is not a fish nor a crustacean. Also Spirulina is not an ocean algae. It is a fresh water micro plant like organism with no muscle tissue, thus no muscle proteins. So, based on this there is no connections or similarity between shellfish allergy and Spirulina.
Can spirulina cause swelling?
An allergic reaction may be possible in those allergic to spirulina. 1 Allergic reactions would include rash or swelling. Immediately stop using spirulina if you begin to experience side effects and call your healthcare provider.
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 you be allergic to chlorella?
Allergic reactions have been reported in some people taking chlorella. These reactions have included severe breathing problems and a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
Can spirulina make you feel sick?
Spirulina is generally considered safe; side effects are usually mild and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.
What to avoid if you have a shellfish allergy?
Avoid foods that contain shellfish or any of these ingredients:Barnacle.Crab.Crawfish (crawdad, crayfish, ecrevisse)Krill.Lobster (langouste, langoustine, Moreton bay bugs, scampi, tomalley)Prawns.Shrimp (crevette, scampi)
Which of the following foods must be avoided if you have a shellfish allergy?
What ingredients/foods should I avoid if I am allergic to shellfish? Avoid foods that contain shellfish or any of these ingredients: barnacle, crab, crawfish, krill, lobster, prawns and shrimp.
Why is spirulina dangerous?
). For those taking blood thinners or who have bleeding disorders, spirulina may be dangerous because it could lessen your blood’s ability to clot, causing more bruising and bleeding ( 2 ).
What is spirulina algae?
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in both fresh- and saltwater. It’s also commercially produced for use in food and supplements ( 1. Trusted Source. , 2 ). Because it packs 60% protein by weight, as well as various vitamins and minerals, it’s widely used as a food source in certain parts of Mexico and Africa ( 1. Trusted Source.
Can you buy spirulina from a trusted brand?
To avoid spirulina that has been contaminated with microcystins or toxins, only purchase products from trusted brands that have been tested by third-party organizations, such as U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, or NSF International.
Does spirulina cause autoimmune disease?
Because spirulina boosts your immune system, it may worsen certain autoimmune diseases — such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis — in which your immune system attacks your body ( 2 ).
Is spirulina contaminated?
May be contaminated with toxins. Spirulina harvested in the wild poses a significant risk of contamination. The algae may harbor toxins if it grows in a body of water that’s polluted with heavy metals, bacteria, or harmful particles called microcystins ( 2 ).
Is spirulina safe for allergies?
Trusted Source. ). Spirulina and other algae also contain phenylalanine, a compound that people with phenylketonuria (PKU) — a rare inherited condition — should strictly avoid ( 2 ).
Is spirulina bad for you?
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.
I nterleukin-6 Imbalance? Spirulina can help
I nterleukin-6 is an immune protein that is the common cause of many immune system diseases. If your body’s I nterleukin-6 production is out of wack, this throws off your immune system which in turn might be the cause of your allergies.
Spirulina also has powerful antioxidants
Antioxidants are extremely important for a healthy immune system. When your body’s immune system is actively fighting infection its phagocytic cells produce reactive oxygen. And this extra reactive oxygen going around can be harmful and damaging for a number of reasons.
Spirulina works, and you should try it
There is science to back it up and a lot of people who swear by it for relieving them of allergies. Heres a few spirulina customer reviews I came across on Amazon that show this
How long is spirulina safe to take?
Some studies showed spirulina helped for some symptoms at 1,000mg taken daily and was safe for a period of at least 12 weeks. Everyone is different and finding a dose that works for you may take some adjusting.
How long does spirulina help with skeletal muscle?
Each participant either received 6g daily of spirulina or a placebo for 4 weeks. Those that received the spirulina supplement were able to run significantly longer before becoming exhausted vs the placebo group. Spirulina supplements may help prevent skeletal muscle damage with exercise.
Does spirulina lower cholesterol?
Spirulina may be able to low “bad” cholesterol LDL, VLDL and triglyceri des, and raise “good” cholesterol HDL. This study shows little effect on HDL but lowered LDL. 4.2gms daily was given for 8 weeks in this study ( 5 ). This study ( 6 ) was done for 3 months with three separate groups.
Does spirulina lower blood pressure?
Spirulina may interact with blood sugar medication, blood pressure medications, or medications for cholesterol. Since spirulina may lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, those levels should be monitored closely when taking spirulina and the medications may need to be decreased.
Can spirulina cause autoimmune disease?
Even with all the health benefits of spirulina, there are a few health concerns to be aware of. If you have an autoimmune disease, spirulina could cause a problem. There are case reports of 3 people who have had flare-ups after taking spirulina.
Is spirulina a green algae?
This nutrient-dense food is incredible for your overall health. Spirulina is a blue-green alga. It grows in fresh water and saltwater. Spirulina gained popularity after NASA used it as a dietary supplement for astronauts. Some links in this article are affiliate links. I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Does spirulina help with inflammation?
Spirulina is thought to decrease inflammation by inhibiting histamine release from mast cells. Decreasing inflammation and histamine can greatly improve allergy symptoms. This study ( 3 ) shows spirulina at a dose of 2,000 mg/day can help regulate the production of IL-4.
Introduction
Spirulina (derived from algae) is sold as a powder and marketed as a health supplement, offering plant-based protein. The following case report details two patients with suspected anaphylaxis to the product, the investigations performed and correlations between patients and past medical history.
Case Report
Two patients were reviewed in clinic in a 6-month period. Both had a past medical history of oral allergy syndrome with positive birch pollen components on component resolved testing (r BetV1) and seasonal rhinitis. No other significant atopy or past medical history.
Conclusion
Health foods, supplements and adjuncts are popular with consumers seeking a healthier lifestyle. These two patients exhibited no prior severe symptoms and may have been sensitized via birch pollen before first consumption of spirulina.
What is the name of the disorder that causes the patient to not metabolize phenylalanine?
1. Worsens Phenylketonuria. Phenylketonuria is a genetically acquired disorder in which the patient cannot metabolize the amino acid called phenylalanine due to the lack of an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase.
Is spirulina a single cell supplement?
If so, you’d be shocked to learn about the other side of one such popular single cell supplement – spirulina. Scroll down to find out how spirulina, the superfood, is harmful to you, how it introduces toxins in a healthy body, and more fatal side effects.
Does spirulina cause edema?
Triggers Edema And Body Weight Fluctuation. Spirulina is packed with vitamins, proteins, and minerals. People with compromised renal function would be unable to expel the unnecessary components from their bloodstream. One of the most abundant minerals found in spirulina is iodine.
Does spirulina interfere with immunosuppressants?
Interferes With Drug Action. Spirulina is an irritant to your immune system. It can interfere with drugs, especially immunosuppressants. A person on immunosuppressant medication must not consume spirulina. Else, it will diminish the effect of the medication, resulting in serious complications. 4.
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 microalgae?
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. It is now widely used as a nutraceutical food supplement worldwide. People consume spirulina orally in the form of powder, flakes, ...
Does spirulina affect thyroid?
While on the one hand, it is good to take in iodine via spirulina, on the other hand, it could affect your thyroid and parathyroid glands. The effects are more pronounced in people with hyperparathyroidism.
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 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 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:
Does spirulina help with cholesterol?
Heart Health. Research has found that the protein in spirulina can reduce the body’s absorption of cholesterol, lowering cholesterol levels. This helps keep your arteries clear, reducing strain on your heart that can lead to heart disease and stroke -causing blo od clots . Its protein also reduces triglyceride levels.
Can you take spirulina with diabetes?
Medication Interactions. Spirulina’s health benefits may interact with or counter certain medications' effects, including those used to treat diabetes, immunosuppressants, and blood thinners. B12 deficiency.
What is chlorella and spirulina?
In the quest for supplements to boost your health, you may encounter chlorella and spirulina, two types of blue-green algae. You may also encounter a number of claims about these supplements' health benefits, from spirulina for heavy metal detox to chlorella for chronic conditions like hypertension. Video of the Day.
What is the microalgae that contains gamma linolenic acid?
Spirulina, another microalgae, contains protein, gamma-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, iron, vitamin B12 and other nutrients, says the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). Spirulina and other microalgae may be used as a source of protein and certain vitamins. However, Winchester Hospital notes that spirulina, while nutritious, ...
Is chlorella harmful to skin?
Regardless of whether chlorella or spirulina benefits skin, improves chronic conditions or aids overall health, it's important to understand the possible risks. Certain forms of blue-green algae may be contaminated with microcystins and anatoxins, both highly toxic substances, says Winchester Hospital.
Can spirulina affect blood thinners?
URMC notes that spirulina may impact the effectiveness of blood thinners.
Is chlorella a good supplement?
At best, chlorella and spirulina may offer certain health benefits, though those benefits are generally not scientifically proven, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Advertisement. At worst, there can be adverse results of taking chlorella and spirulina. Side effects may be more pronounced if these supplements are taken in excess, ...
Does spirulina help with hair?
Study participants largely reported that spirulina benefits skin and that chlorella and spirulina intake had improved their hair and skin quality. Although these benefits are not directly evidenced, say the authors, the claim is nonetheless plausible, given the nutritional content of these supplements.
Does spirulina help the immune system?
The same is true of claims that spirulina can boost the immune system and improve kidney and liver function. When taken at the recommended dosage, spirulina side effects are few, says Harvard Health Publishing.