Spirulina

2. Description

a. Origin

Historically, spirulina was used by ancient civilizations, such as the Aztecs and the Kanem-Bornu (in Chad), who harvested the algae from salt lakes to consume as a source of protein. It has also been used in other parts of the world, including Africa and Asia.

In the 1960s, scientists rediscovered spirulina and began studying its nutritional properties, leading to its development as a dietary supplement. Today, spirulina is cultivated in many parts of the world for its richness in proteins, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

b. History

Spirulina has been on Earth for about 3.5 billion years, making it one of the oldest forms of life. It grows naturally in warm, alkaline lakes, particularly in Africa and South America.

Although spirulina was used in the past, its use was largely forgotten over time. It was not until the 1940s that researchers rediscovered its nutritional virtues. The algae gained particular interest after World War II, when it was studied for its nutritional properties and potential as a source of protein in famine areas.

During the second half of the 20th century, many companies began producing spirulina in powder, tablet or capsule form for health-conscious consumers and people following vegetarian or vegan diets.

3. Indications: benefits of spirulina

• Nutritional deficiencies : Spirulina is often recommended in cases of nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iron, proteins, vitamin B12 and minerals.
  It is therefore useful for people with an unbalanced diet or vegetarians and vegans who may be lacking in certain nutrients.
  
• Immune boosting : Thanks to its richness in antioxidants, notably phycocyanin, spirulina can help strengthen the immune system and fight infections.
• Fatigue : Spirulina is a good stimulant to combat general fatigue, as it helps improve endurance and vitality. It is often used by athletes for its energizing effects.
• Detoxification : Spirulina is considered a natural detoxifying agent, due to its ability to eliminate toxins and support the liver in its functions.
  detoxification.
• Improved digestion : It contains enzymes and proteins that promote better digestion and balance of intestinal flora.
• Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Management : Some studies suggest that spirulina may help regulate cholesterol levels and maintain healthy blood pressure.
• Treatment and prevention of allergic rhinitis by suppressing Th2 cell differentiation by inhibiting IL-4 production [14]

4. Dosage: how to use it correctly?

Usual dosages: 2 to 10 grams per day[1]

Main components of the plant:

• Proteins (60 to 70%) of good quality (richer in protein than meat) with branched chain amino acids
  
• High molecular weight polysaccharides: immolina
  
• Nucleic acids (30% DNA and 70% RNA)
  
• Phycocyanin (association of a protein from the phycobiliprotein family and water-soluble pigments from photosynthesis)
  
• Rich in iron, vitamins A and B12, carotenoids, manganese, chromium, sodium and potassium , source of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, vitamins C and E, phycocyanin (natural blue pigment, food coloring and antioxidant)

Composition of spirulina in vitamins, per 100 grams:

• Provitamin A 140mg (Beta-carotene 85 mg)
  
• Vitamin B1 Thiamine 3.5 mg
  
• Vitamin B2 Riboflavin 4 mg
  
• Vitamin B3 Nicotinamide 14 mg
  
• Vitamin B5 - Pantothenic acid 0.1 mg
  
• Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine 0.8 mg
  
• Vitamin B7 Inositol 64 mg
  
• Vitamin B8 or H - Biotin 5µg
  
• Vitamin B9 Folic acid 10 µg
  
• Vitamin B12 Cobolamine 0.3 mg
  
• Vitamin E Tocopherol 10 mg
  
• Vitamin K Menadione 2.24 mg
  
• Essential fatty acids : Gamma-linolenic acid 1000 mg

Composition of spirulina in essential and non-essential amino acids, per 100 g:

• Alanine 4.7g
  
• Arginine 4.3g
  
• Aspartic acid 6.1g
  
• Glutamic Acid 9.1g
  
• Cysteine ​​6.0g
  
• Glycine 3.2g
  
• Histidine 1.0g
  
• Proline 2.7g
  
• Serine 3.2g
  
• Tyrosine 3.0g
  
• Isoleucine 3.5g
  
• Leucine 5.4g
  
• Lysine 2.9g
  
• Methionine 1.4g
  
• Phenylalanine 2.8g
  
• Threonine 3.3g
  
• Tryptophan 9.0g
  
• Valine 4.0g

Composition of spirulina in minerals, per 100 g:

• Magnesium 285 mg
  
• Phosphorus 1000 mg
  
• Sodium 600 mg
  
• Calcium 215 mg
  
• Iodine 200 µg
  
• Iron 81 mg
  
• Zinc 1.6 mg
  
• Selenium 13.8 µg

5. Clinical evidence

• Improves nutrition [2]: Clinical studies have shown that spirulina, taken at 10 grams per day for 4 to 6 weeks, can help treat severe malnutrition in children and is used in Africa to support antiretroviral treatment in people living with HIV, improving weight, CD4 lymphocytes and especially opportunistic infections.[3]
  
• Immunostimulating effect [4],[5]
  
• Anti-allergic , spirulina is more effective than placebo in the treatment of allergic rhinitis [6], and it even seems more effective than cetirizine [7]
  
• Improves muscle detoxification and increases antioxidant enzymes [8], decreases oxidative stress that occurs during intensive exercise, improves fat utilization, and may have beneficial effects on performance and recovery [9]
  
• Neuroprotective [10], [11], with respect to the ischemia/reperfusion process [12]
  
• Prevention of calcium oxalate stones, due to anti-urolithic and antioxidant properties , protective of renal tissue [13]
  

6. Interactions

a. with food supplements

Spirulina is generally a well-tolerated supplement, but when taken alongside other supplements, it is important to be careful to avoid interactions or excess of specific nutrients. When in doubt, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before adding new supplements.

b. with medication

• Immunosuppressive drugs: Spirulina may boost the immune system by enhancing the production of certain immune cells (such as T cells and macrophages). Therefore, it could potentially interfere with immunosuppressive medications.
  
• Anticoagulant medications: Spirulina is rich in vitamin K, which plays a key role in blood clotting. If you are taking blood thinners such as warfarin, adding spirulina could affect the effectiveness of these medications.
  
• Medications for thyroid disorders : Spirulina contains iodine, a mineral essential for thyroid function. Adding spirulina could interfere with your treatment by increasing iodine levels.
  

7. Contraindications

Spirulina is generally considered a safe dietary supplement, but it does have some contraindications:

• Allergies: Some people may be allergic to spirulina, causing reactions such as rashes, itching, or breathing problems.
  
• Autoimmune Disorders: Due to its stimulating effect on the immune system, spirulina may not be recommended for people with autoimmune diseases.
  
• Phenylketonuria: People with phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid spirulina because it contains high levels of phenylalanine.
  
• Kidney problems: People with kidney disease should be careful, as spirulina can increase the load on the kidneys due to its high protein and mineral content.
  
• Thyroid problems due to its iodine content.
  

8. Precautions for use

• Choose quality spirulina. Unlike other blue-green algae, spirulina is not contaminated with a toxin called microcystin. If a product label says “Blue-Green Algae,” “Blue-Green Superfood,” but does not include the word “spirulina,” it is likely another species of cyanobacteria, such as Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, which may be contaminated. A test of nearly 82 samples of spirulina sold in Canada found that this algae is also not contaminated with anatoxin-a, another dangerous toxin produced by some algae.[15]
  
• Digestive problems, nausea possible
  
• Avoid in case of hemochromatosis and phenylketonuria, liver failure, taking anticoagulants (because spirulina slows down coagulation)

9. The Pharmacist's opinion

Spirulina is a microalgae that is attracting increasing interest due to its nutritional properties. It is rich in proteins (about 60 to 70% of its dry weight), essential amino acids, vitamins (especially B12, A, E and K) and minerals (iron, magnesium, calcium). It is often used as a food supplement for its beneficial effects on vitality, muscle recovery, prevention of deficiencies and support of the immune system.

It is essential to choose good quality spirulina, from safe sources, to consume it in a well-defined context and after medical advice, particularly for people with particular health conditions or taking medication.