Spirulina

Studies in people

• Open question

  Algae as nutritious food³

  Spirulina is a protein-rich food with vitamins and fats, and studies show people accept it well.

• Benefit

  Muscle damage from exercise⁴

  In people, spirulina may prevent muscle damage from exercise, but how it works is unclear.

• Benefit

  Exercise recovery and fitness⁵

  Spirulina may help untrained and moderately trained people recover faster from exercise and improve aerobic fitness.

• Benefit

  inflammation and quality of life⁶

  In people with MS, spirulina lowered two inflammation markers and improved some quality-of-life scores.

Study type not stated

• Benefit

  Immune and anti-inflammatory effects⁷

  Spirulina is a blue-green algae rich in protein and vitamins that may help calm inflammation and support the immune system.

• Benefit

  Brain health⁸

  Spirulina may help brain health, but scientists do not yet know for sure.

• Benefit

  Nutritional value and health effects⁹

  Spirulina is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, and studies suggest it may help with diabetes, cancer and heart problems.

• Concern

  Plastic bits in food supplements¹⁰

  Packaged spirulina was found to contain tiny plastic bits, mostly fibers, in most brands tested.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.