Spirulina, often referred to as Arthrospira platensis, is a blue algae that is widely grown in fresh and salt water. As a potent superfood, it is one of the best researched and well-known dietary supplements due to its high phytonutrient content and powerful health-promoting benefits such as enhancing immune, liver, brain and circulatory functions.
Blue Spirulina Extract Benefits and Uses
Blue Spirulina is a brilliant-blue colored algae that lives in a wide array of moist areas. It consists of the dried mass of either one of the Athrospira platensis or Arthrospira maxima plants and has been part of the human diet for centuries. It is commercialized as a nutraceutical for its potent antioxidant and immune support properties.
Chemically, Spirulina is composed of essential components that contribute to the production of energy. These include high levels of protein, vitamins A, minerals such as Iron, polysaccharides, as well as essential fatty acids. Phycocyanin, the main active compound that gives Spirulina its bright blue-green pigment, is responsible for its potent antioxidant properties.
What’s more is, unlike most plants, Spirulina lacks cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls that is indigestible by humans, making Spirulina easy to absorb. Anecdotally, Spirulina may have immune-stimulating effects. It is well understood that deficiency of nutrients is responsible for changes in immunity, which manifests as changes in production of T-cells, secretory IgA antibody response, cytokines and NK-cell activity. The above studies suggest that Spirulina may modulate the immune system by its role in covering nutritional deficiencies.
Nomenclature:
Blue Spirulina Extract supplements are also known by a few different names, including:
- Arthrospira platensis
- Arthrospira maxima
- A. fusiformis
- Spirulina platensis
- A. platensis
- Arthrospira fusiformis
- Cyanobacteria
- Blue-green algae
- A. maxima
Scientific Consensus
Blue Spirulina Extract is considered as it is categorized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA.
There is not enough data to say whether Spirulina extract is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or if it can be used by children.
