Spirulina tablets are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, but can be contaminated with heavy metals, bacteria, or toxins if grown in natural environments. Look for tablets tested for contaminants and produced in a clean laboratory. Avoid if pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions.
Spirulina, or blue-green algae, has a host of healthy nutrients, from B vitamins to iron and vitamin E to zinc. It is also rich in protein and antioxidants. You may want to take spirulina tablets to boost your immune system to prevent illness or to treat allergies. When choosing tablets, it’s important to find a brand you can trust. Tablets containing Spirulina can be contaminated with heavy metals if the algae was grown in a natural environment. Therefore, the best tablets are those that are tested for contaminants and are produced in a laboratory under controlled conditions.
Look for spirulina tablets that are tested for contaminants. Spirulina may be contaminated with bacteria or microcystins, which can damage your liver. Contaminated spirulina tablets are most likely unsafe to consume, as you may end up with a throat infection or nausea and diarrhea. If the bottle of spirulina tablets does not clearly indicate that they have been tested and are free of bacteria and other toxins, you can look for a labeled bottle or take the time to call the manufacturer. If you don’t get a clear answer, leave the bottle on the shelf.
You may want to purchase spirulina tablets that are produced in a laboratory under controlled, clean conditions. Spirulina grown in natural bodies of water, such as lakes, are more likely to contain bacteria or become contaminated with toxins, especially if the water they were grown in contained metallic contaminants. Lab-grown spirulina is also more likely to have a standardized quality. The amount of sunlight and the temperature of the water can affect the nutritional value of the algae. Those factors can be more easily controlled in a laboratory.
Some manufacturers may thin their spirulina tablets with starch, which helps bind the tablet together, while others use only spirulina in the tablet, which leads to a more potent tablet. Some tablets may contain up to 20 percent fillers or binders. Your body may not absorb the nutrients from the diluted tablets as effectively as the neat tablets.
If you are considering taking spirulina, you should be careful before taking the tablets. If you have an autoimmune disorder, spirulina can counteract any immunosuppressant medications you’re taking. You should also avoid taking spirulina if you have phenylketonuria, as the tablets contain phenylalanine, which can worsen your conditions. Do not take the tablets if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is insufficient information on the safety of the tablets for pregnant women.
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