Blue-green algae

Spirulina/Nutrient Depletion:

  • ChromiumChromium: Spirulina fusiformis has been reported to be effective in the removal of chromium (93-99%) as well as removing other toxicants from retan chrome liquor (121). It is uncertain if spirulina affects chromium levels in humans.
  • CopperCopper: In laboratory studies, Spirulina fusiformis has been reported to be effective in the removal of copper and other metal ions (120). In an in vitro study, two cyanobacteria strains demonstrated the ability to bind and remove heavy metals. Cyanothece 16Som 2 had an affinity for chromium (2-50x) and copper (1.5-20x), while Nostoc PCC 7936 was strongly selective for copper (55).
  • GlucoseGlucose: Preliminary human data in type 2 diabetics found beneficial effects on lipids and fasting blood sugars after two months of oral spirulina treatment, suggesting a hypoglycemic effect (63).
  • LipidsLipids: In animal studies, spirulina decreased serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels (18; 104; 105; 106). Preliminary positive results from a small number of methodologically flawed trials suggest possible hypolipemic efficacy in humans (18; 63).
  • NickelNickel: Spirulina fusiformis has been reported to be effective in the removal of nickel and other metal ions (120).
  • Vitamin AVitamin A: Spirulina maxima, when fed to adult male rats in varying concentrations, has been shown to alter the storage and utilization of vitamin A and vitamin E (113).
  • Vitamin EVitamin E: Spirulina maxima, when fed to adult male rats in varying concentrations, has been shown to alter the storage and utilization of vitamin A and vitamin E (113).