9 Side Effects Of Spirulina

Spirulina, the free-flowing microalgae that grow in water bodies, is a rich source of nutrients and has been consumed in Central Africa for centuries. But, here’s the big question – are there any side effects of spirulina?

Spirulina is consumed orally and is available in flake, powder, or tablet form. The powder and flakes are also usually mixed in smoothies and fruit juices.

This healthy food can, in fact, be dangerous to your health if not consumed in controlled quantities. This article explores the nine surprising adverse effects of excess spirulina intake. Take a look!

Did You Know?

Until the 16th century, Mesoamericans and Aztecs consumed spirulina as food. It was obtained from Mexico’s Lake Texcoco and was also sold to the soldiers in the form of cakes called ‘tecuitlatl’.

What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Spirulina?

1. Worsens Phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria is a genetically acquired disorder in which the patient cannot metabolize the amino acid called phenylalanine due to the lack of an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase.

The patient exhibits symptoms like delayed development, convulsions, hyperactivity, and analytical disability. Unfortunately, spirulina is a rich source of phenylalanine.

Consuming spirulina aggravates the symptoms of phenylketonuria.

2. Exacerbates The Symptoms Of Autoimmune Diseases

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An autoimmune disease develops when the immune system attacks the healthy tissues in your body, causing organ damage and inflammation.

Arthritis, asthma, periodontitisⁱ  XA common but serious gum infection that, if left untreated, may lead to the loss of teeth and damage to the jaw bone. , vitiligo, type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosisⁱ  XA chronic condition that damages the protective covering of the nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and the body parts. , psoriasis, and pernicious anemiaⁱ  XAn autoimmune condition where the body cannot absorb vitamin B12, leading to a drop in red blood cells. are a few examples of autoimmune diseases.

Spirulina is, after all, a foreign body. When you consume it, the body overreacts and amplifies the activity of the immune system. This exacerbates the symptoms of a pre-existing disease or gives rise to severe inflammation (1).

3. Interferes With Drug Action

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Spirulina is an irritant to your immune system. It can interfere with drugs, especially immunosuppressantsⁱ  XA group of drugs or agents that can suppress the body's immune system and slow down immune responses. .

A person on immunosuppressant medication must not consume spirulina. Else, it will diminish the effect of the medication, resulting in serious complications.

4. Risk Of Heavy Metal Toxicity

Certain varieties of spirulina that are produced under unrestrained settings are often infested with significant traces of heavy metals, such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and lead.

Prolonged consumption of spirulina that comes from such undependable sources results in damage to your vital organs, such as the kidneys and liver.

Compared to adults, children are at a higher risk of developing fatal complications due to heavy metal poisoning from contaminated spirulina.

Make sure to check where your spirulina is sourced from.

5. Renal Disorders

Our body produces a significant amount of ammonia as it metabolizes the protein in spirulina, which gets converted into urea.

This puts excessive pressure on the kidneys to flush out such a large amount of urea from the blood, ultimately resulting in decreased efficiency of the kidneys and even renal failure.

Some people tend to develop kidney stones due to such high concentrations of urea in the renal system.

6. Triggers Edema And Body Weight Fluctuation

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Spirulina is packed with vitamins, proteins, and minerals. People with compromised renal function would be unable to expel the unnecessary components from their bloodstream.

One of the most abundant minerals found in spirulina is iodine. While on the one hand, it is good to take in iodine via spirulina, on the other hand, it could affect your thyroid and parathyroid glands. The effects are more pronounced in people with hyperparathyroidismⁱ  XA condition where the body has elevated parathyroid hormone levels, causing high calcium levels in the blood, which affects bone health. .

The build-up of excessive nutrients, along with iodine, in the blood leads to fluid retention (edema) in your limbs, imbalance in calcium, phosphate, and iodine absorption, and sudden weight gain or loss, lethargy, and cardiovascular diseases.

7. Digestive Discomfort And Nausea

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Consuming spirulina can lead to flatulence, causing abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, and anaphylaxisⁱ  XQuick and chronic allergic reactions triggered by an allergen. It requires prompt medical care as it is life-threatening. – especially in people consuming it for the first time (2).

Spirulina varieties infested with contaminants, such as microcystins (toxins produced by blue-green algae), also give rise to serious gastric ailments like acute dehydration and indigestion.

8. Could Cause Anxiety And Motor Neuron Disease (MND)

Spirulina harvested from the unrestrained wild sources, such as lakes, ponds, and littered seas, contain toxic strains.

Such morphologically similar blue-green algae produce neurotoxic chemicals like β-methylamino-L-alanine, or BMAA, which could cause severe neurodegenerative disorders like motor neuron disease (MND), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia, anxiety, and sleepless nights (insomnia) followed by headaches and dizziness (3).

9. Risk For Pregnant And Breastfeeding Women

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The safety of spirulina for pregnant and nursing women is not well explored. Hence, it is recommended that pregnant or nursing women avoid taking spirulina or remain under strict medical surveillance while doing so.

Infants and children should be kept away from such supplements because they quickly develop allergies, skin rashes and fatal cross-reactions.

Quick Tip

Spirulina contaminated with cyanotoxins may prove to be a major health risk as these compounds act as potent neurotoxins (4).

Though algae like spirulina are highly beneficial to our body, having it in the right dose matters.

Not only the dosage, but the source from which you obtain such supplements also has a significant effect on your health. It is important to know

• the biochemical composition (co-existing microbes)
• what kind of exhaust gets into these waters
• whether the effluents are treated before discharge
• the health of the local community
• how the QC (quality control) of the source waterbody is done

To reap the maximum benefits from an excellent nutritive supplement like spirulina, you need to inquire about such details to avoid the deadly side effects listed here.

Remember always to keep your physician informed about the dosage and the way your body reacts to spirulina. In case you notice any of the symptoms we have discussed, refrain from taking spirulina and visit your doctor immediately.

Infographic: How To Deal With Side Effects Of Spirulina

Spirulina has gained the attention of many healthcare enthusiasts as a supplement loaded with many beneficial nutrients. It is consumed in many forms and offers various health benefits. However, it does cause side effects too. But the good news is you can deal with them. The following infographic discusses how you can deal with the side effects of spirulina. Check it out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is spirulina the same as chlorella?

Eva De Angelis, Dietitian Nutritionist, says, “No. While both are popular supplements, they are different types of algae. Spirulina, for example, is a saltwater blueish-green algae with high calcium, iron, copper, and protein content. Chlorella, on the other hand, is a freshwater green algae that are higher in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, magnesium, and zinc. Both contain high antioxidants, which may benefit heart and brain health.”

What medications should not be taken with spirulina?

According to De Angelis, “Spirulina may interact with immune-suppressing medications. Yet, there is still insufficient evidence about the specific interactions and their severity.”

Can spirulina affect hormones?

“As spirulina is an excellent supplement for liver function, it can help with hormone metabolism, particularly in women. It’s also high in hormone-balancing nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium,” says De Angelis.

Is spirulina safe to take every day?

Yes, it is safe to take spirulina every day. However, 5- 8 grams is considered to be a safe daily dosage. If consumed in high amounts, it may cause some side effects.

Can spirulina cause liver damage?

Consuming spirulina in limited amounts may not cause any liver damage. However, if consumed in high amounts, it may negatively affect your liver health.

How many times a day should you take spirulina?

Spirulina can be taken 2 to 3 times a day. However, the overall dosage should not exceed 8 grams.

Does spirulina make you poop?

Spirulina has cleansing properties that can effectively remove accumulated waste products from the colon. Thus, it may make you poop.

Can spirulina make you put on weight?

No, spirulina does not cause weight gain as it is very low in calories. A tablespoon of dried spirulina has only 20 calories.

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• Expert

Sarah SpannAdv Dip (Nut Med), mATMS

   

Sarah Spann has 4 years of experience as a clinical nutritionist. She specializes in gut health and is based in Brisbane, Australia. She is dedicated to changing the paradigm of gut health and works with clients all over the world to help them get back the freedom, energy and confidence that their gut issues have taken away. Sarah is passionate...more

Swathi HandooHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Swathi holds a master’s degree in biotechnology from Osmania University and has worked in places where actual science and research happen. She has four years of experience and a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. Blending her love for writing with science, Swathi writes articles on health and wellness and simplifies complex topics for readers from...more

• Eva De AngelisRDN

  Eva De Angelis is a Dietitian Nutrionist from Argentina. She specializes in food and nutrition education, and healthy cooking. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from ISalud University, a postgraduate certificate in Nutrition, Gastronomy, and Health, a culinary diploma, and an intermediate-level technical degree in Food Science.
  
  Eva De Angelis is a Dietitian Nutrionist from Argentina. She specializes in food and nutrition education, and healthy cooking. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from ISalud University, a postgraduate certificate in Nutrition, Gastronomy, and Health, a culinary diploma, and an intermediate-level technical degree in Food Science.