SYS ONLINE
Supplements/Compound

Spirulina

Blue-green algae — protein-rich with phycocyanin antioxidant and immune effects.

Buy

Overview

Blue-green algae — protein-rich with phycocyanin antioxidant and immune effects.

Natural sources
  • Endogenously produced or biosynthesized molecule
  • Standardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplement
  • Combined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity
Common forms
  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Forms & variants of Spirulina

Different chemical forms of Spirulina behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.

Mechanism of action

Phycocyanin inhibits COX-2; rich in protein, B-vitamins, and trace minerals.

Pathways
  • · Phycocyanin inhibits COX-2
  • · rich in protein, B-vitamins
  • · and trace minerals

Effects on the body

Decreases
LDL and BP modestly
Decreases
allergic rhinitis symptoms

Organ system effects

Evidence-based benefits

Lowers LDL and BP modestly

Moderate evidence

Reduces allergic rhinitis symptoms

Limited evidence

Potential side effects

Common
    Rare
    • · Heavy metal contamination (untested brands)
    Serious

      Drug interactions

      Prescription medications (general)
      Always disclose Spirulina use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
      minor

      Supplement interactions

      Pairs well with
      • A high-quality multivitamin
        Covers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
      • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
        Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.
      Avoid combining with

      No specific avoidances listed.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      1–10 g/d
      Best form
      Most evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
      Timing
      Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
      With food?
      Optional

      Where to buy

      Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Scientific evidence9Show studies
      Systematic reviewEvid Based Complement Alternat Med · 2011

      Spirulina platensis on immune and metabolic markers

      Karkos PD, et al.

      Review of spirulina clinical trials.

      Key findings

      Improvements in lipids, blood pressure, and allergic rhinitis.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Spirulina — Lowers LDL and BP modestly

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Spirulina Lowers LDL and BP modestly" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Spirulina and "Lowers LDL and BP modestly". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Spirulina — Reduces allergic rhinitis symptoms

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Spirulina Reduces allergic rhinitis symptoms" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Spirulina and "Reduces allergic rhinitis symptoms". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Spirulina — randomized controlled trial

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Spirulina randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Spirulina and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Spirulina — meta-analysis

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Spirulina meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Spirulina and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Spirulina — pharmacokinetics

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Spirulina pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Spirulina and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Spirulina — safety adverse events

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Spirulina safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Spirulina and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Spirulina — dose response

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Spirulina dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Spirulina and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

      Google Scholar: Spirulina — clinical evidence

      Live Scholar search

      Cross-database citation index for Spirulina as it relates to "clinical evidence".

      Key findings

      Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

      Open study
      Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

      Community discussion

      (0 threads)

      Share your experience or read what others have tried. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

      Sign in or create a free account to post or reply.
      Loading discussion…