Spirulina is a blue-green algae that has been used as a dietary supplement for centuries by some cultures. It is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids, and it may have various health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation, boosting immunity, and fighting infections.
However, spirulina is not without potential side effects and risks. Some people may experience adverse reactions to spirulina, especially if they have certain medical conditions or allergies. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common side effects of spirulina and how often they occur.
Nausea and Abdominal Discomfort
One of the most frequent side effects of spirulina is nausea and abdominal discomfort. This may be due to the high protein content of spirulina, which can cause indigestion and gas in some people. It may also be related to the presence of toxins or contaminants in some spirulina products.
According to a review of 37 studies on spirulina, nausea was reported by 8% of the participants who took spirulina supplements, while abdominal discomfort was reported by 6%. These side effects were usually mild and transient, and they did not affect the compliance or safety of spirulina supplementation.
To prevent or reduce nausea and abdominal discomfort from spirulina, it is advisable to start with a low dose and gradually increase it over time. It is also important to choose high-quality spirulina products that are free of toxins and heavy metals. You can also take spirulina with food or water to ease digestion.
Allergic Reactions
Another possible side effect of spirulina is allergic reactions. Some people may be allergic to spirulina or its components, such as phycocyanin, which is a pigment that gives spirulina its blue-green color. Allergic reactions to spirulina may manifest as skin rashes, itching, swelling, hives, or anaphylaxis.
The frequency of allergic reactions to spirulina is not well-known, but it may be higher in people who have a history of allergies or asthma. A case report described a 17-year-old girl who developed anaphylaxis after taking spirulina tablets for two weeks. She had a history of allergic rhinitis and asthma.
If you are allergic to spirulina or any of its ingredients, you should avoid taking it. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction after taking spirulina, you should seek immediate medical attention. You can also consult your doctor before taking spirulina if you have any concerns about allergies.
Autoimmune Flares
Spirulina may also worsen some autoimmune conditions by stimulating the immune system. Autoimmune conditions are disorders where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Some examples of autoimmune conditions are lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriasis.
Spirulina may enhance the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which are immune cells that destroy infected or abnormal cells. This may be beneficial for fighting infections and tumors, but it may also increase the risk of autoimmune flares by attacking healthy cells.
The frequency of autoimmune flares from spirulina is not well-established, but it may depend on the type and severity of the autoimmune condition. A case report described a 57-year-old woman who developed dermatomyositis (a rare autoimmune disease that affects the skin and muscles) after taking spirulina for six months. She had no prior history of autoimmune diseases.
If you have an autoimmune condition, you should consult your doctor before taking spirulina. You should also monitor your symptoms and stop taking spirulina if you notice any worsening of your condition.
Blood Thinning
Spirulina may also slow blood clotting by inhibiting platelet aggregation (the clumping together of blood cells). This may help prevent blood clots that can cause strokes or heart attacks, but it may also increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
The frequency of blood thinning from spirulina is not clear, but it may be higher in people who take high doses of spirulina or who have bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medications. A case report described a 35-year-old man who developed intracranial hemorrhage (ble
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