Spirulina, a green-blue algae that is sometimes referred to as a superfood and is available as a food and a supplement, should not be taken in any form. As a green-blue algae source of protein, spirulina does deliver, as it is a rich protein source – but the amount you would need to consume is disproportionate to the amount you can get from other sources, such as beans, legumes, animal sources or whole grains. It is also a much more expensive source of protein – up to 30 times more per gram!
But the real reasons not to partake in the spirulina hype are numerous:
- It has been linked to a neurological disease that is similar to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and ALS. Discovered in Guam, researchers traced the neurotoxin BMAA, used in a regional food; this neurotoxin BMAA is also found in blue-green algae.
- Animal studies support these findings, as studies showed that fruit containing BMAA also led to neurological changes.
- Some blue-green algae contain unsafe levels of microcystin, another toxin that accumulates in the liver – particularly in children who have had high-level exposure.
- Finally, spirulina can absorb mercury and lead when grown in areas with large concentrations of these heavy metals. Excess levels in the body can lead to liver damage, vomiting, weakness, shock and even death.
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