Spirulina is a class of cyanobacterium or blue-green algae that grows in fresh and marine waters in certain sunny environments across the world.1 Spirulina has been used for centuries by many different cultures for its nutrient density.2 The WHO has classified it as a “superfood.”

There are many different species of spirulina, but the most well-studied are Arthrospira platensis, A. fusiformis, and A. maxima. plantensis grows in Hawaii and is considered to be superior in cleanliness as it does not grow in contaminated waters. This article will highlight the health benefits of A. platensis spirulina specifically.

 

Nutrient-Rich Superfood

Spirulina is one of the most nutrient-dense plant foods and the highest whole-food source of plant-based protein.3

By weight, the composition of spirulina is:

  • 68% protein3
  • 10% carbohydrates4
  • 7% fatty acids4
  • 8% fiber4
  • 7% minerals4

It contains all essential amino acids (EAAs), which make up 47% of its protein content, making it the only complete plant-protein source.3 While it is lower in methionine and cysteine, its highest concentration of amino acids are the branch chains, leucine, isoleucine, and valine,3 which are essential for mTOR activation and muscle protein synthesis.5

Spirulina is also rich in vitamins B3, B6, beta carotene, and vitamin K.4 It has been touted as a rich source of B12 as well. However, recent research has identified this form as “pseudo B12,” meaning it has little to no biological activity.6

The mineral content of spirulina is impressive as well. The following is the amount of minerals that were found in one analysis per 100g (about 1 cup) of spirulina:4, 7

  • Potassium: 1400 mg – 54% RDA F | 41% RDA M
  • Sodium: 900 mg – 6% RDA
  • Phosphorous: 800 mg – 114% RDA
  • Calcium: 700 mg – 70% RDA
  • Magnesium: 400 mg – 129% RDA F | 100% RDA M
  • Iron: 100 mg – 556% RDA F | 1,250% RDA M
  • Manganese: 5 mg – 278% RDA F | 217% RDA M
  • Zinc: 3 mg – 36% RDA F | 27% RDA M
  • Copper: 1.2 mg – 133% RDA
  • Chromium: 0.28 mg – 1,120% RDA F | 800% RDA M

For human health benefits, It’s not always enough for a plant to just be rich in nutrients. What matters more is that those nutrients are bioavailable. Most plant nutrients are hard to access due to high cellulose (fiber) content. Spirulina does not contain a cellulose cell wall, making the nutrients within much more bioavailable than they would be from other plant sources.7

It is important to note that nutrient quantities of spirulina vary with the climate, season, time of harvest, and environment.7

Medicinal Properties of Spirulina

Adequate vitamin, mineral, and macronutrient status are the foundation of all biological processes and functions within the body. The density of nutrients available in spirulina provides immense health benefits just in its nutritional qualities alone.

Even so, spirulina also contains various phytonutrients that possess specific therapeutic properties, further enhancing the health benefits of this superfood. These therapeutic compounds include:

  • Phycocyanin
  • Carotenoids
    • Β-carotene
    • Zeaxanthin
    • β-cryptoxanthin,
  • myxoxanthophyll
  • echinenone
  • Chlorophyll
  • γ-linolenic
  • polysaccharide

 

Allergies

Spirulina has been shown to prevent histamine release from mast cells in multiple investigational studies.8, 9, 10, 11 It has also been shown to inhibit IgE antibodies in various animal studies,8, 12 which is the antibody response that causes allergic reactions and mast cell activation.

One study compared the effects of spirulina to cetirizine in allergic rhinitis patients and found spirulina to be more effective at improving symptoms.13 While many mechanistic studies of spirulina’s protective role against allergies have been done in animal models, this effect in humans is in part due to its ability to inhibit the inflammatory cytokine IL-4.14

Antioxidant activity

One of spirulina’s most prominent therapeutic implications is its antioxidant properties. There are several phytonutrients present that combat oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS).15, 16 Its vast nutrient profile enhances endogenous antioxidant production in addition to the numerous antioxidants that it provides, such as phycocyanins, γ-linolenic acid, chlorophyll, carotenoids, vitamins and minerals.4, 17

These powerful antioxidants account for spirulina’s ability to improve blood sugar, insulin resistance, liver function, glutathione production, neuronal health, lipid metabolism, support vascularization, and reduce heavy metal toxicity.4, 17

Eye Health

In addition to spirulina’s high β-carotene content are other important phytonutrients that are essential to eye health and function. They include zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin, myxoxanthophyll, and echinenone.4

Animal studies have shown that spirulina supplementation decreases retinal damage caused by photo stress.18 Additionally, in humans, regular supplementation with spirulina increases circulating zeaxanthin levels to ensure a steady supply of this important compound for eye health.19 Zeaxanthin is a xanthophyll that has been shown to be important for preventing cataract and macular degeneration.19

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Gut Health

In numerous animal studies, spirulina has exhibited many mechanisms by which it improves gut health. It improved the quality of the gut intestinal lining and mucosal barrier in rats;20 increased levels of lactobacillus while decreasing levels of non-commensal bacteria;21, 22 and has shown to be helpful for candida overgrowth.23

Most promising is its antibacterial properties against antibiotic-resistant bacterium. One study showed that purified phycocyanin extract from spirulina effectively inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus 24

Antiviral

The polysaccharides present in spirulina have been shown to possess potent antiviral properties.25 Spirulin extract has been shown to be effective against herpes simplex virus 1 and 8 that cause oral cold sore.26 Topical Calcium spurlan blocked the virus from binding to keratinocytes of HSV-1 and blocked the entry of HSV-8.26

Spirulina is also a potent therapeutic agent for HIV-1 in that it has been shown to enhance immune function and decrease viral load in infected individuals in underdeveloped parts of the world.27, 28 It also greatly improved nutritional status in these participants, which is essential for ensuring proper immune function.

Lastly, spirulina has shown potent antiviral activity against several forms of influenza virus.29 It also shows promising potential against the COVID virus as constituents within are able to inhibit antigen-converting enzymes (ACE) that allow the virus to replicate, though research is still in the early stages.30

Neuronal Health

Animal models have demonstrated that spirulina supports nervous system function, repair, and protection in a variety of ways. Phytosterols and phycocyanin have shown potent antioxidant activity in neuronal cells, thus reducing and preventing oxidative stress in the nervous system, preventing demyelination of neurons, and protecting neuronal DNA.4

Why We Use A. platensis Spirulina

It’s easy to see why this particular species of spirulina has been given the label of “superfood” by the WHO and why including it as part of a foundational supplement regimen is advantageous. The health implications are many and far-reaching.

We elected to include A. Platensis (Hawaiian spirulina) in our Recuperate IQ formula not only for its naturally high copper content but also for the vast physiological benefits it offers. The nutrient density of Spirulina, as well as beef liver, supports the use of Recuperate IQ as an all-around nutritional foundation supplement and general health-supporting agent.