Spirulina
What are other common names?
- Anabaena species
- Aphanizomenon flos-aquae
- Arthrospira maxima
- Arthrospira platensis
- Lyngbya wollei
- Microcystis aeruginosa
- Microcystis wesenbergii
- Nostoc ellipsosporum
- Spirulina fusiformis
- Spirulina maxima
- Spirulina pacifica
- Spirulina platensis
- AFA
- Algae
- Algas Verdiazul
- Algues BleuVert
- Algues BleuVert du Lac Klamath
- Anabaena
- Aphanizomenon flosaquae
- Arthrospira fusiformis
- Arthrospira maxima
- Arthrospira platensis
- BGA
- Blue Green Algae
- Blue Green Algas
- Blue Green Micro-Algae
- Cyanobacteria
- Cyanobactérie
- Cyanophycée
- Dihe
- Espirulina
- Hawaiian Spirulina
- Klamath
- Klamath Blue/Green Algae
- Klamath Lake Algae
- Lyngbya wollei
- Microcystis aeruginosa and other Microcystis species
- Nostoc ellipsosporum
- SBGA
- SF
- Spirulina Blue-Green Algae
- Spirulina fusiformis
- Spirulina maxima
- Spirulina platensis
- Spiruline
- Spiruline d'Hawaii
- Tecuitlatl
What is this product used for?
Spirulina may help with allergies. Spirulina may help people who have diabetes with blood sugar levels. It may also help with some people with high cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
What are the precautions when taking this product?
-
Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.
-
This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.
-
Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.
-
Do not use this product if you are breastfeeding.
-
Take extra care if you are at a high risk for infection. This includes people who have had a transplant, are on chemo, or have an autoimmune disease.
-
Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:
-
Liver problems
-
Phenylketonuria
-
Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and pemphigus vulgaris
-
What should I watch for?
-
Upset stomach
Related/similar drugs
acetylcysteine, ascorbic acid, biotin, multivitamin, Dextrose
When do I need to call the doctor?
-
Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
-
Signs of liver problems. These include upset stomach or throwing up, belly pain, feeling tired, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, not hungry.
-
Very bad throwing up
-
Very bad belly pain
-
Very bad loose stools
-
Very bad muscle pain
Last Reviewed Date
2019-05-09Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms
Copyright
Copyright © 2022 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.
More about spirulina
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.