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Is Spirulina OK to Eat While Pregnant?

Jul 6, 2011 | By Carol Sarao
Is Spirulina OK to Eat While Pregnant?http://www.livestrong.com/article/485888-is-spirulina-ok-to-eat-while-pregnant/
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Spirulina, a blue-green algae, is sold in the United States as a nutraceutical, or food with health benefits. Spirulina has been the subject of extravagant claims involving its ability to treat diseases and enhance physical and mental well-being. Although spirulina is a nutritious food rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, human clinical studies supporting its use are limited. Buy spirulina at a reputable health food store to avoid possible contamination with mercury and bacteria, both of which can cause serious health problems. Consult your doctor before taking spirulina.

Features

Spirulina, scientifically known as Arthrospira plantensis and Arthrospira maxima, is a type of corkscrew-shaped blue-green algae native to tropical, highly salty water. Commercially grown and marketed in the United States, spirulina is nutrient-dense and resistant to harsh conditions; it has been suggested as a food supply for space missions. Spirulina currently is taken for myriad reasons, including lowering fats in the bloodstream, promoting weight loss, treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, easing premenstrual syndrome, alleviating diabetes and reducing the severity of allergic rhinitis. It also is taken as an adaptogen to enhance physical and mental abilities. Tainted spirulina has been reported to contain mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead; cyanobacterial toxins called microcystins occurring in spirulina can cause liver damage, shock and even death.

Constituents and Effects

Spirulina contains up to 65 percent protein and is rich in assorted amino acids, carotenoids, B complex vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids, including gamma linolenic acid. Spirulina also contains high levels of iron and healthy amounts of calcium, potassium and magnesium, as well as the trace minerals manganese, selenium and zinc. Medline Plus points out that spirulina's protein content is no more than that provided by milk or meat -- at a cost of roughly 30 times more per gram -- and that most of the claims regarding it are not supported by scientific evidence; however, the website does credit spirulina with reducing oral leukoplastia in people who chew tobacco. Drugs.com, which provides peer-reviewed medical information to consumers, reports that spirulina has been shown to protect bone marrow cells against radiation and acknowledges spirulina's antiviral, antioxidant and insulin-stimulating abilities in test tubes and animal studies.

Mercury

Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in air, water and food. Upon being exposed to water, mercury converts to methylmercury. The American Pregnancy Association reports that mercury consumed during pregnancy can cause developmental delays and brain damage in the fetus. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry advises getting no more than .3 mcg of mercury daily per kilogram of body weight, and states that this intake poses no threat even to pregnant women and developing fetuses, the most sensitive sector of the population. Drugs.com warns that contaminated spirulina has been recorded as containing as much as 180 mcg of mercury in each 20 g. In the interests of safety, pregnant women should avoid spirulina altogether.

Usage and Considerations

Spirulina, considered nontoxic at usual levels of consumption, is available in pill, powder and flake form. Drugs.com notes that the typical dosage of spirulina is from 1 to 9 g a day. Don't take spirulina if you are pregnant or have an immune system disease. Because algae contains phenylalanine, people with phenylketonuria should avoid spirulina as well. Consult your doctor before taking spirulina.

References

Article reviewed by Shawn Candela Last updated on: Jul 6, 2011

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Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/485888-is-spirulina-ok-to-eat-while-pregnant/#ixzz1jRvI02sg
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