A STUDY ON THE NUTRITIONAL AND THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF SPIRULINA

Authors

  • Arif Aksoy Dr., Karadeniz Technical University, MD Star Grup Medical, Turkey orcid.org/0000-0002-2315-1659

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejfnsm.v5i1.224

Keywords:

Spirulina, food supplement, antioxidants, immune system, functional food

Abstract

Spirulina, a blue-green microalgae belonging to the Cyanobacteria group, has gained significant attention as a natural food supplement due to its rich nutritional content and potential health benefits. It is a sustainable source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (e.g., phycocyanin and gamma-linolenic acid). The purpose of this review is to examine the nutritional components of Spirulina and evaluate its effects on human health, such as immune support, antioxidant activity, lipid regulation, and anti-inflammatory effects. Current clinical and experimental findings suggest that Spirulina supplementation may contribute to overall health and well-being, making it a promising ingredient in the field of functional nutrition. Its increasing use in the sector in recent years has been notable. This study provides information on the composition of Spirulina.

Author Biography

References

Becker, E. W. (2007). Micro-algae as a source of protein. biotechnology Advances, 25(2), 207–210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2006.11.002

Belay, A. (2002). The potential application of Spirulina (Arthrospira) as a nutritional and therapeutic supplement in health management. Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association, 5(2), 27–48. Retrieved from https://www.algbiotek.com/bilimsel/PDF%20Dosyalarrrrrr/sagliktaspirulinaninbesinselveterapotiktakviyeolarakpotansiyelkullanimi.pdf

Bhat, V. B., & Madyastha, K. M. (2001). Scavenging of peroxynitrite by phycocyanin and phycocyanobilin from Spirulina platensis: Protection against oxidative damage to DNA. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 285(2), 262–266. https://doi.org/10.1006/bbrc.2001.5195

Gershwin, M. E., & Belay, A. (2008). Spirulina in humans’ nutrition and health. CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781420052572

Habib, M.A. B., Parvin, M., Huntington, T. C., & Hasan, M. R. (2008). A review on culture, production and Use of spirulina as food for humans and feeds for domestic animals and fish. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1034. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/4/i0424e/i0424e00.pdf

Kaplan, M. A., Turgut, T., & Canlı, Ö. (2016). Spirulina - An evaluation of its use in patients with phenylketonuria. Turkish Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics, 44(3), 210–217.

Karkos, P.D., Leong, S.C., Karkos, C.D., Sivaji, N., & Assimakopoulos, D.A. (2011). Spirulina in clinical practice: Evidence-based human applications. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/531053

Nielsen, C. H., Lykkesfeldt, J., & Poulsen, H. E. (2020). Spirulina's antioxidant Effects in humans: A review. Nutrition Research Reviews, 33(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954422419000181

Parikh, P., Mani, U., & Iyer, U. (2001). Role of Spirulina in the control of glycemia and lipidemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Journal of Medicine Food, 4(4), 193–199. https://doi.org/10.1089/10966200152744463

Romay, C., Armesto, J., Remirez, D., González, R., Ledón, N., & García, I. (2003). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of C-phycocyanin from blue-green algae. Inflammation Research, 47(1), 36–41. https://doi.org/10.1007/s000110050256

Ruas, C.B., Faccin, H., & Ferreira, R. S. (2022). Heavy metals and toxins in commercially available Spirulina: Health implications and risk assessment. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 163, 112992. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2022.112992

Selmi, C., Leung, P.S.C., Fischer, L., German, B., Yang, C.Y., Kenny, T.P., & Gershwin, M.E. (2011). The effects of Spirulina on anemia and immune function in senior citizens. Cellular & Molecular Immunology, 8(3), 248–254. https://doi.org/10.1038/cmi.2010.76

Wu, L.C., Ho, J. A. A., Shieh, M. C., & Lu, I. W. (2005). Antioxidant and antiproliferative Activities of Spirulina and Chlorella water extracts. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 53(10), 4207–4212. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf0479517

Downloads

Published

2025-12-13

Issue

Section

Articles