spirulina toxicity

by Miss Aisha Williamson Jr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Because spirulina is harvested in natural waters, failure to adhere to quality control methods allows for contamination with toxins known as microcystins. These substances are toxic to the liver and can cause liver damage.

Full Answer

What are the dangers of spirulina?

When consumed in excess, these compounds can present health concerns:

High intake of protein, chlorophyll and iron may cause gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, nausea or cramps.
Excess phosphorus can adversely affect the kidneys.
In high concentrations, manganese may contribute to neurotoxicity.

What is dangerous spirulina?

the biochemical composition (co-existing microbes)
what kind of exhaust gets into these waters
whether the effluents are treated before discharge
the health of the local community
how the QC (quality control) of the source waterbody is done

Is spirulina really toxic to the liver?

There are risks of Spirulina containing toxic substances if it is grown in contaminated water bodies. In such a scenario, it can cause toxicity and harm to the liver instead of improving liver health. So, it is essential to consume pure products, preferably those which are grown in laboratories. [ 37]

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.

Why you should not take spirulina?

Potential Risks of Spirulina. Spirulina harvested in the wild may be contaminated with heavy metals and bacteria. In high amounts, some of these toxins may stress or damage your liver.

Is there overdose of spirulina?

Can I take too much spirulina? Many sources say you can't overdose on spirulina as it's a natural food source, but when taken in excess (as with any foodstuff), it could cause problems. In this case, it could lead to a vitamin A overdose.

Is spirulina hard on the liver?

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.

Is it safe to take spirulina everyday?

Up to 8 grams of spirulina per day is safe, and many people add it to their shakes or smoothies because it comes in powder form.

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.

Who should avoid spirulina?

Risk For Pregnant And Breastfeeding Women. The safety of spirulina for pregnant and nursing women is not well explored. Hence, it is recommended that pregnant or nursing women avoid taking spirulina or remain under strict medical surveillance while doing so.

Are there heavy metals in spirulina?

The heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic are mostly found to adulterate in Spirulina products. Each is found as a trace contaminant in certain pesticides and fertilizers, so they are common in agricultural areas (Pande et al., 1981; Kotangale et al., 1984).

Is spirulina high in heavy metals?

Is spirulina good for your kidneys?

Spirulina and phycocyanin prevent the progression and complication of chronic kidney disease. Spirulina and phycocyanin delay chronic kidney disease. Spirulina and phycocyanin may be treatments for chronic kidney disease.

How does spirulina affect the liver?

In conclusion Spirulina reduced the level of lipids by reducing serum cholesterol and serum triacylglycerol levels. Spirulina increased the HDL and decreased LDL and corrected liver function, especially alanine aminotransferase (SGPT) and aminotransferase (SGOT).

What are the symptoms of vitamin A toxicity?

Mental status changes are common following Vitamin A intoxication. In addition, there is a risk for seizures, headache, and blurred vision (due to elevated intracranial pressure). Chronic toxicity can lead to alopecia, anorexia, pruritus, dryness of mucous membranes, muscle and bone pain and hyperlipidemia.

Can spirulina cause hair loss?

It may help keep your blood sugar levels in check. Since high blood sugar can lead to the production of DHT, a hormone that leads to hair loss, eating more spirulina is a great way to keep your hair intact and healthy. In addition to helping prevent hair loss, this algae powerhouse may also promote hair growth.

Is spirulina safe to take?

No. To my mind, spirulina and other blue-green algae supplements are unsafe. For years, I have been warning against consuming them. My main concern is the neurotoxins that spirulina and related organisms may contain. The possible connection between one compound and a fatal nervous system disorder ...

Can spirulina cause heart failure?

In addition to liver damage, contaminated spirulina can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, rapid heartbeat, shock and death.

Is spirulina a superfood?

Spirulina is widely marketed as a “superfood” and protein source, available commercially in capsules, tablets, and powder, as well as in some foods (energy bars) and smoothies. It is promoted as a preventive or treatment for a wide range of health problems: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, and more.

What is spirulina made of?

OVERVIEW. Introduction. Spirulina is a dietary supplement made from blue-green algae (cyanobacteria: Arthrospira platensis) that is used both as a food and as a medicinal supplement to counteract unintentional weight loss and to ameliorate a variety of medical conditions including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, allergic rhinitis, ...

Where does spirulina grow?

Spirulina typically grows in warm open lakes with high alkalinity and can be contaminated with other blue-green algae that produce toxins (microcystins). Spirulina has been used as a food and source of nutrients for centuries by the people of Mexico and Central America but only recently has been prepared as commercial dietary supplements.

Is spirulina a good anti-inflammatory?

In animal experiments, spirulina has demonstrated antioxidant, antiinflammatory and analgesic effects and has been well tolerated without evidence of toxicity even in high doses. There have been limited studies in humans, but it has not been proven to be effective in treating any medical condition.

Does spirulina cause liver damage?

Is spirulina a prokaryotic?

Spirulina refers to a large number of photosynthetic eubacterial species belonging to the phylum Cyanobacteria (Arthrospira platensis and maxima). While known as blue-green algae, spirulina it is a prokaryotic, eubacterial species belonging to the phylum Cyanobacteria. Spirulina typically grows in warm open lakes with high alkalinity ...

Is spirulina good for you?

Good Nutrition. By Janet Renee Updated December 06, 2018. With a full spectrum of essential nutrients , spirulina is considered a nutritional powerhouse. As such, it has experienced a recent surge in popularity among the health-conscious. However, it’s not without dangers.

Is spirulina a heavy metal?

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. However, some brands are found to contain toxic levels of heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic. These metals in levels that exceed safe amounts are highly toxic to the body. For instance, lead exposure through contaminated water has toxic effects on various body systems, including the nervous system and liver.

Is spirulina a cytotoxic?

Cytotoxin Contamination. Commercial brands that use proper quality control methods produce safe spirulina products. Because spirulina is harvested in natural waters, failure to adhere to quality control methods allows for contamination with toxins known as microcystins.

Is spirulina safe for pregnancy?

However, supplementing during pregnancy with additional nutrients like spirulina is not proven safe. The megadoses of certain vitamins in spirulina may harm your unborn child. There is a case report of spirulina supplements taken during pregnancy causing excessively high calcium levels that led to seizures in an infant after birth, according to the report published in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. Steer clear of algae supplements during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Is spirulina a regulated supplement?

Like other dietary supplements, spirulina is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. However, you can take steps to choose a safe spirulina supplement. Many reputable commercial brands display independent lab certification on their labels confirming that their product is free of contamination. These labels contain unique numbers that you can verify with the independent lab confirming that the brand has passed independent testing. Choosing one of these brands provides the best way to ensure that you purchase and consume a safe and clean spirulina supplement.

Can spirulina cause seizures?

The megadoses of certain vitamins in spirulina may harm your unborn child. There is a case report of spirulina supplements taken during pregnancy causing excessively high calcium levels that led to seizures in an infant after birth, according to the report published in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

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.

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM

Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM, is a physician, New York Times bestselling author, and internationally recognized professional speaker on a number of important public health issues. Dr.

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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, ...

What are the health effects of phosphorus?

When consumed in excess, these compounds can present health concerns: High intake of protein, chlorophyll and iron may cause gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, nausea or cramps. Excess phosphorus can adversely affect the kidneys. In high concentrations, manganese may contribute to neurotoxicity.

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.

Why is spirulina digestible?

It also is partly the reason why spirulina is easily digestible. Because your body does not have to break the cell walls to be absorbed.

How much spirulina should I take daily?

Most spirulina products out there recommend more than 500mg for their daily doses, so that should be good. The spirulina powders usually have higher recommended doses than the tablets or capsules. I’m taking around 11 grams of spirulina a day right now so I know that my body is pretty well cleansed of heavy metals.

Is spirulina bad for you?

Just like it can absorb heavy metals and toxins from your body, it can also absorb heavy metals and toxins from the environment! Spirulina is well known for being harmful from too much heavy metal content when it comes from BAD sources.

Is spirulina a good source?

This is why it is extremely important that you get your spirulina from a credible source. If you buy from sources that don’t have serious quality control regulations put in place there is always that chance that their spirulina is grown in waters that contain unhealthy amounts of heavy metals and other toxins.

Does spirulina detoxify?

Spirulina Heavy Metal Cleanse/ Detox. If you are looking to do a heavy metal toxin cleanse you should seriously consider doing so with spirulina. The biology of spirulina allows it to naturally absorb toxic and unwanted heavy metals from your body. It is a proven way to detox your body.