PureBulk

Supplement Facts Volumetrics Certificate of Analysis

Related Products:

Spirulina Capsules, Chlorella Blue-Green Algae, and Chlorella Capsules.

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina plantensis is the food supplement form of a one-celled, spiral-shaped microscopic blue-green algae exceedingly adaptable to its surroundings. It naturally occurs in a wide variety of environments including fresh water, tropical springs and salt pans.

Spirulina is one of the earliest forms of life. It is both a complete food and a whole food supplement. Spirulina has been consumed worldwide for centuries because of its rich nutrient range and ability to sustain life. Today, spirulina farming has become a part of the new era of ecological agriculture and it is recognized as a powerful food source.

Spirulina contains extensive levels of trace elements and essential minerals. In its natural aquatic environment, minerals present in the water become chelated with amino acids and are thus easily assimilated by the body.

Aside from being an excellent vegetarian source of protein and vitamin B12, other major nutritional components of spirulina include essential fatty oils, phycocyanin (making iron more bioavailable), chlorophyll (cleanses and detoxifies the body and helps to remove heavy metals from the system), Beta-carotene (in an amount 10 times greater than carrots) and antioxidants.

For more than 30 years spirulina (spirulina platensis) has been the first choice for supplementing a vegetarian diet. This special blue-green algae is a good source of numerous vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and essential fatty acids which are very difficult to maintain at sufficient concentrations with a vegetarian diet. Most notable is the high-quality protein, which contains all nine essential amino acids. Spirulina is a better source of protein than either beef or soybeans.

Health Benefits of Spirulina

Spirulina is sometimes referred to as the world’s richest natural whole food source because of its nutritional profile.

It is also referred to as a “green food” or “whole food” because not only does it contain a huge array of trace minerals, carbohydrates, enzymes, amino acids and essential fatty acids, more than 60 percent of spirulina is a highly digestible and biologically complete plant protein. Spirulina is also naturally low in calories, with only 2.9 calories per gram compared to the average 4 calories per gram of protein.

Spirulina promotes hematopoiesis (formation and development of red blood cells) due to the high levels of iron present in this food supplement.

Spirulina contains beta carotene, zeaxanthin and phycocyanin, which have powerful antioxidant activity. Antioxidants protect our body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Protein Information

Spirulina is a highly digestible food and complete protein source. Spirulina’s primitive cellular structure and lack of hard cellular walls allows for rapid formation and synthesis of proteins, thus allowing for higher and more effective digestability of protein. As a protein source, spirulina contains all nine essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein). All 9 essential amino acids must be present simultaneously in order for the body to synthesize protein which is used for maintenance and repair. Purebulk's spirulina powder has more than 60% protein, including the following amino acids: Alanine (8%), Arginine (7.4%), Aspartic Acid (10.2%), Cysteine (0.9%), Glutamic Acid (15.5%), Glycine (5.0%), Histidine (1.6%), Isoleucine (5.3%), Leucine (9.1%), Lysine (5.2%), Methionine (2.0%), Phenylalanine (4.5%), Proline (4.1%), Serine (5.0%), Threonine (5.0%), Tryptophan (1.4%), Tyrosine (4.2%) and Valine (6.0%).

People who are vegetarians or who have a poor diet or one loaded with processed food should definitely consider taking this supplement. There have been no toxic effects associated with the consumption of spirulina.

Purity and Concentration of Spirulina

Purebulk's Spirulina powder contains no additives, filers, or anti-caking agents.

Suggested Use of Spirulina

The suggested serving size for spirulina powder is 5 grams taken three times daily. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for spirulina here. Taking 1/2 level tablespoon will supply a total dose of about 4.5 grams.

Retail serving sizes of spirulina powder are commonly between 3 and 10 grams daily, partly due to retailers trying to keep the perceived monthly costs of consumption down. However, spirulina in this bulk powder form is much less expensive. Some pre-modern cultures in South America and Africa likely consumed more then 250 grams per day (nearly 50 percent of their entire diet) in the form of sun-dried cakes.

Potential Side Effects of Spirulina

Spirulina is considered generally safe at suggested serving sizes. Possible side effects include headache, muscle pain, flushing and sweating. People with allergies to spirulina should avoid products containing it. No interactions of spirulina with foods, medications, or herbs are documented. Spirulina grown in water contaminated with heavy metals can concentrate these toxins. Therefore, it is important to purchase products from qualified manufacturers and suppliers.

Bioavailability, Mixing and Solubility of Spirulina

Spirulina powder has a dark bluish green appearance and a slight marine smell and taste. Spirulina is best in water or juice. (When adding to liquids it is best to blend the spirulina powder in a small amount of water before adding to recipes.) Any recipe for a smoothie works well. It is possible to sprinkle on food or use as a seasoning to soups, dressings, dips, sauces and casseroles.

How should I store it?

Purebulk's Spirulina powder is stored in dark, airtight vacuum sealed bags and is very fresh. Store in a cool, dry, dark location. Reseal tightly between uses.

References & Further Research

University of Maryland Medical Center: Spirulina


Wikipedia: Spirulina

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.