Spirulina has also been found to be effective against Candida Albicans, which disrupts the intestinal flora and causes many different symptoms, and has an important place in the candida diet due to the antimycotic activity of the abundant carotene it contains (17, 18, 19).

2. Spirulina in Heavy Metal Chelation

There is a large body of scientific evidence to support the cleansing effect of spirulina, especially from heavy metals. Spirulina, a cyanobacterium, is a biosorbent (natural absorbent) and collector of heavy metals. Spirulina attracts heavy metals such as cadmium, copper, arsenic and lead, especially mercury, through ion exchange and causes their excretion (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30). In mercury poisoning, it has also been proven to reduce the symptoms related to this poisoning thanks to its antioxidant effect (31). Its high antioxidant content makes brain tissue more resistant to oxidative damage caused by heavy metals (32, 33).

It has the capacity to excrete radioactive toxins by binding them to its own mucopolysaccharide layers (34).

It prevents the accumulation of proteins and toxins that cause the pathology seen in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (35). It has been shown that the mechanism of heavy metal chelation of spirulina may be related to vitamin E, vitamin C, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), selenium and phycocyanin (2).

3. Powerful Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Oxidative damage can damage your DNA and cells. This damage can trigger chronic inflammation that contributes to cancer and other diseases (37). Spirulina is a great source of antioxidants that can protect against oxidative damage.

Its main active ingredient is called “phycocyanin”. This antioxidant substance also gives spirulina its unique blue-green color.

Phycocyanin can fight free radicals and inhibit the production of inflammatory signaling molecules. Thus, spirulina provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (38, 39, 40).

4. May Lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and Triglyceride Levels

Heart disease is the world’s leading cause of death. Many risk factors are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Spirulina can positively influence many of these factors. It can lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, while raising HDL (good cholesterol).

In a study conducted in 25 people with type 2 diabetes, it was observed that 2 grams of spirulina per day significantly improved these markers (41).

Another study in people with high cholesterol showed that 1 gram of spirulina per day reduced triglycerides by 16.3% and LDL by 10.1% (42).

In a few other studies, positive effects were found, albeit at higher doses of 4.5-8 grams per day (43,44).

5. May Have Anti-Cancer Properties

Some studies show that spirulina has anti-cancer properties. Animal studies show that it can reduce cancer formation and tumor size (45, 46). The effects of spirulina on oral cancer were investigated. In the study, 87 people with precancerous lesions in the mouth called oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) were examined. It was observed that the lesions disappeared in 45% of those who took 1 gram of spirulina daily for one year, while this rate was only 7% in the control group (47).

6. May Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a major cause of many serious diseases, including heart attack, stroke and chronic kidney disease. While 1 gram of spirulina daily is ineffective, a dose of 4.5 grams has been shown to lower blood pressure in individuals with normal levels (48, 49). This reduction in blood pressure is thought to be due to increased production of nitric oxide, a signaling molecule that helps your blood vessels relax and dilate (50).

7. Improves Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is characterized by inflammation in your nasal passageways. It is triggered by environmental allergens such as pollen, animal hair and even wheat dust. Spirulina is a popular alternative treatment for allergic rhinitis symptoms and there is evidence that it can be effective (51). In a study of 127 people with allergic rhinitis, taking 2 grams of spirulina daily significantly reduced symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and itching (52).

8. May be Effective Against Anemia

There are many different forms of anemia. The most common is characterized by a decrease in the hemoglobin or red blood cells in your blood. Anemia is quite common in the elderly, leading to prolonged feelings of weakness and fatigue (53).

In a study of 40 people with a history of anemia, it was observed that spirulina supplements increased the hemoglobin content of red blood cells and improved immune function (54).

9. May Increase Muscle Strength and Endurance

Exercise-induced oxidative damage is a major contributor to muscle fatigue. Some plant foods have antioxidant properties that may help athletes and physically active individuals minimize this damage. Studies have shown that spirulina increases endurance and exercise duration (55, 56).

Side Effect

Headache, muscle pain or hot flushes have been reported very rarely. Spirulina is generally recognized as safe (GRAS/Generally Recognized As Safe) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). No serious side effects have been reported. However, before use, the purity of spirulina should be ensured that it is of the highest quality and purity, produced under special conditions and thus does not contain heavy metals, microcystin and other toxins that may cause side effects (20, 21, 22, 23).

In animal toxicology experiments, no noticeable toxic effects were observed even when spirulina was consumed at 5% of body weight for 6 months, and no microcystin contamination was found (24).

Use in Special Populations and Cautions

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation: There are no adequate studies in pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Use in Special Populations: It should be used with caution in people using anticoagulants. It should not be used in patients with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and pemphigus vulgaris without a physician’s recommendation as it may increase autoimmunity. It is not recommended for use in patients with gout and urate stones in the kidneys. When spirulina is metabolized, uric acid is formed. It may cause gout attacks or kidney stones in people who are sensitive to it. People with phycocyanin allergy, those allergic to seafood, patients with hemochromatosis and patients with phenylketonuria are not recommended (21).

Conclusion

Avoiding heavy metals completely is no longer possible in today’s life. Even people who are not occupationally exposed to heavy metals are at high risk of developing chronic heavy metal poisoning. This can be caused by air and water pollution, diet, lifestyle, medications and many other external factors. Since the symptoms and complaints associated with chronic heavy metal toxicity are often non-specific or diverse, heavy metals should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of any disease.

Heavy metal chelation is a treatment method that should be applied slowly and with extreme caution, except in severe, acute life-threatening poisoning. It is recommended to use the preparations for at least 6 months. When performing heavy metal chelation therapy, the doses indicated here can be increased according to the level of toxicity and the patient’s clinic by following the recommended chelation protocol; the period of use can be extended up to 24 months by a specialized complementary medicine specialist. In addition to the medical support recommended for the mobilization, binding and elimination of heavy metals, it must be combined with neural therapy for individual nutritional changes, recommendations, regulation of the lymphatic system and connective tissue.