Compound or practice · Supplement
Spirulina
A protein-rich algae with modest lipid, blood-pressure, and allergic-rhinitis signals — quality/contamination is the catch.
- Overall grade
- Grade C
- Last revised
- 2
- graded outcomes
- 0
- references listed
A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.
2 at grade C — 2 graded rows
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- LDL / triglyceridesEvidence grade C
Modest
Smallmixed
- Allergic rhinitisEvidence grade C
Some relief
Smallmixed
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Thin evidence: LDL / triglycerides (grade C); Allergic rhinitis (grade C).
The evidence in words
What it is
Spirulina is a blue-green algae (cyanobacterium) rich in protein and phycocyanin, taken as a 'superfood.'
How it works
Its phycocyanin and other compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
What the evidence shows
Meta-analyses suggest modest reductions in LDL/triglycerides and blood pressure and some allergic-rhinitis relief. The dominant concern is contamination — some products contain microcystin toxins or heavy metals, so sourcing matters.
How to use it
1–8 g/day of a tested, reputable product.
Safety & interactions
Safe if uncontaminated; avoid products not tested for microcystins/metals; caution in autoimmune disease and phenylketonuria.
Bottom line
Modest metabolic and allergy benefits — but only from a tested, clean source. Contamination is the real risk.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- Standard
- 1–8 g/day, tested product.
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- ChlorellaA protein-rich green algae with modest lipid, blood-pressure, and immune signals — and a heavy-metal-binding angle.Evidence grade C
- Spirulina for Allergic rhinitisEvidence grade C — Some reliefEvidence grade C
- Spirulina for LDL / triglyceridesEvidence grade C — ModestEvidence grade C
- Spirulina: dosage and how to take it1–8 g/day, tested product.Evidence grade C
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.