Spirulina: Risks and negative effects

Also known as a super food, spirulina is a blue-green marine algae, a nutrient considered to be one of the oldest forms of life on earth, used for centuries. Interestingly enough, despite the many benefits, from the reduction in immunity to the fight against allergies, spirulina can be deadly and even has a consistent set of negative health effects. To begin with, let’s list some of the benefits that have made it popular: it is rich in protein, vitamin B1, iron and calcium and, let’s not forget it is an ideal source of antioxidants.

Spirulina: Risks and negative effects on consumption

Spirulina it is generally believed to be a food that can be safely consumed. However, depending on its quality, it can have a great impact on health. If it is grown under unsafe conditions, it may contain a high level of toxins, harmful to the liver.

Worsens phenylketonuria. Phenylketonuria is a serious genetic disease that is caused by a disorder that prevents metabolism of the phenylalanine amino acid present in food. People who suffer from this condition and consume spirulina will experience symptoms such as convulsions, hyperactivity and analytical inability and their symptoms may worsen.

Exacerbates the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks the healthy tissues in the body causing inflammation and organ damage. Arthritis, asthma, periodontitis, vitiligo, type II diabetes, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and fatal anemia are just a few examples of autoimmune diseases. In fact, spirulina is a foreign body and, once consumed, the body amplifies the immune system’s activity.

Risk of heavy metal toxicity. Different varieties of spirulina that are produced in unfavorable conditinos are often infested with heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead. The long-term consumption of spirulina from such environments results in the destruction of vital organs such as the kidneys or the liver. Unlike adults, children are prone to the risk of developing fatal complications from poisoning with heavy metals from contaminated spirulina.

Causes kidney disease. Our body produces a significant amount of ammonia when it metabolizes the protein from spirulina which subsequently turns into urea. This puts pressure on the kidneys to eliminate a large amount of urea from the blood, resulting in kidney failure. Some people even tend to develop kidney stones as a result of a large concentration of urea in the kidney system.

Triggers edema and weight fluctuations. Spirulina is a whole pack of vitamins, proteins and minerals. Individuals whose kidney function is compromised will not be able to eliminate unnecessary blood components. One of the most abundant minerals found in spirulina is iodine. Although on the other hand it is good to take the necessary iodine from spirulina, on the other hand, it can affect the thyroid and parathyroid gland. Excess nutrients in the blood, along with iodine, can lead to fluid retention, calcium imbalance, phosphate, and iodine absorption, and so there are weight fluctuations and cardiovascular diseases.

Digestive discomfort and nausea. Spirulina consumption can lead to flatulence, causing abdominal cramps, nausea and anaphylaxis, especially in people who consume it for the first time. Certain types of spirulina can be contaminated with toxins produced by this algae which raises serious gastric problems such as acute dehydration and indigestion.