Is Spirulina Good For You?
The healthy cyanobacteria
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First published: 19. Jan.2025
Overview
Spirulina is an ancient photosynthesizing green-blue bacteria that is used as a supplement due to its very high content of protein and essential amino acids, trace minerals and vitamins. This article will provide an overview of its health benefits and its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibiotic properties.
References and Further Reading
Florentine Codex. Available at Digital Florentine Codex/Códice Florentino Digital, edited by Kim N. Richter and Alicia Maria Houtrouw, "Book 11: Earthly Things", fol. 69r, Getty Research Institute, 2023. https://florentinecodex.getty.edu/en/book/11/folio/69r Accessed 19 January 2025
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(2) Bernal Díaz del Castillo. Historia Verdadera de la Conquista de Nueva España. Madrid, en la Imprenta del Reyno, 1632
(3) Gromek W, Koidej N, Kurowski M, Majsiak E., (2024). Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis): Antiallergic Agent or Hidden Allergen? A Literature Review. Foods. 2024; 13(7):1052. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13071052
(4) Barsanti, L., Gualtieri, P., (2005). Algae: Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology. United Kingdom: CRC Press. p 254
(5) Chaouachi M, Vincent S, Groussard C., (2024). A Review of the Health-Promoting Properties of Spirulina with a Focus on athletes' Performance and Recovery. J Diet Suppl. 2024;21(2):210-241. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2023.2208663. Epub 2023 May 4. PMID: 37143238
(6) Mao, T K., et al., (2005). Effects of a Spirulina-based Dietary Supplement On Cytokine Production From Allergic Rhinitis Patients. Journal of Medicinal Food, vol. 8, no. 1, 2005, pp. 27-30.
(7) Nourollahian M, Rasoulian B, Gafari A, Anoushiravani M, Jabari F, Bakhshaee M., (2020). Clinical comparison of the efficacy of spirulina platensis and cetirizine for treatment of allergic rhinitis.Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2020 Jun;40(3):224-229. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-N0139. PMID: 32773785
(8) Iman Rahnama, et al., (2023). The effect of Spirulina supplementation on lipid profile: GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials. Pharmacological Research, Vol 193, 106802, ISSN 1043-6618, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106802.
(9) Lympaki, F., et al., (2022). Short-Term Effectsof Spirulina Consumption on Glycemic Responses and Blood Pressure in Healthy Young Adults: Results from Two Randomized Clinical Trials. Metabolites. 12(12), 1180. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo12121180
(10) Prete, V., Abate, A. C., Pietro, D., Lucia, D., Vecchione, C., & Carrizzo, A., (2024). Beneficial Effects of Spirulina Supplementation in the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases. Nutrients, 16(5). DOI: 10.3390/nu16050642
About this Article
Is Spirulina Good For You?, A. Whittall
©2025 Fit-and-Well.com. First Published: 19.Jan.2025. Update scheduled for 19.Jan.2028. https://www.fit-and-well.com/fitness/spirulina.html
Tags: spirulina, diabetes, allergies, heart, cholesterol, supplements