Bodybuilding.com - Spirulina Information and Product Listing! Spirulina FAQ!

Spirulina is a microscopic freshwater plant that grows in America, Mexico and Central Africa. It naturally grows in warm water alkaline volcanic lakes, but is hydroponically grown around the world for human use.

Spirulina contains over one hundred vitamins and minerals, and is rich in beta-carotene, iron, vitamin E, B-12, chlorophyll, phytonutrients, and GLA - a rare essential fatty acid. The Aztec peoples used spirulina for hundreds of years.

2. What does it do and what scientific studies support this?

The effects of spirulina are established by science.

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Spirulina may help boost immune system function^{1, 2, 3, 4} by helping the body develop new blood cells, enhancing bone marrow, macrophage, t-cell and natural killer cell function.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that spirulina may be useful for weight control.⁵ It can increase the function and quality of beneficial microflora (thus increasing digestive efficiency), and its mineral and vitamin content can help control appetite. Spirulina also detoxifies the body.⁶

Learn more about the benefits of Spirulina on Clayton South's Health Facts.

3. Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?

Everyone can benefit from spurilina supplementation because of its beneficial effects on immune function.

Those with weakened immune systems can benefit from the immuno-protective effects of spirulina. Hard training athletes can especially benefit from using spirulina as they are susceptible to the effects of over-training. Spirulina can enhance recovery from exercise and maintain immune system integrity; this may boost athletic performance.

Vegetarians are at risk for being iron deficient and can benefit from spirulina supplementation because of its iron content.

Spirulina is not an essential nutrient and no symptoms of deficiency exist.

4. How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?

Strictly adhere to label directions.

Consult with a physician prior to use.

REFERENCES

Ability of spirulina carotenes in preschool children. by V. Annapurna, et al. 1991. National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India. J. Clin. Biochem Nutrition. 10 145-151. India.

Phagocytic potential of feline macrophages after exposure to a water soluble extract of spirulina in vitro. by M. Qureshi, et al. January 1996. Pub. in Immunopharmacology. in press. USA.

Immune enhancement potential of spirulina in chickens. by M. Quereshi, et al. August 1994. Poultry Science Assoc. Dept. of Poultry Science, North Carolina State, NC. Pub. in Journal of Poultry Science Vol 73, S.1. p. 46. USA.

Qureshi M.A., Garlich J.D., Kidd M.T., Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology, 1996 (submitted), "Dietary Spirulina platensis Enhances Humoral and Cell-mediated Immune Functions In Chickens".

Clinical and biochemical evaluations of spirulina with regard to its application in the treatment of obesity. by E.W. Becker, et al. 1986. Inst. Chem. Pfanz. Pub. in Nutrition Reports Int'l, Vol. 33, No. 4, pg 565. Germany.

Effect of spirulina on the renal toxicity induced by inorganic mercury and cisplatin. by H. Fukino, et al. 1990. Pub. in Eisei Kagaku, 36:5, 1990. Japan.

Republished from Clayton South's Health Facts.

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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