Spirulina

About Spirulina

Spirulina is the common name for dried biomass of cyanobacteria of the genus Arthrospira, chiefly Arthrospira platensis. Although often called a blue green alga, it is a photosynthetic bacterium, and its name refers to the spiral shape of its filaments. The Aztecs harvested it from Lake Texcoco and called it tecuitlatl, and people around Lake Chad traditionally dry it into cakes known as dihe. Spirulina is high in protein and supplies beta carotene, iron, several B vitamins, gamma linolenic acid, and the blue pigment protein phycocyanin, which shows antioxidant and anti inflammatory activity in laboratory studies. Most of its vitamin B12 is pseudovitamin B12, a form inactive in humans, so it is not a reliable B12 source. Small clinical studies have examined spirulina for allergic rhinitis, blood lipids, blood pressure, and blood sugar, with preliminary or mixed results. Quality concerns include contamination with microcystins from other cyanobacteria, heavy metals, and bacteria in poorly controlled cultivation.