Why does spirulina cause gas

Spirulina may be tainted with microbes, radioactive metal ions and heavy metals — including mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic. Harvard Health Publishing adds that spirulina, like other dietary supplements , is not regulated by the FDA.

Therefore, there's no guarantee that any supplement you buy will be free of contaminants or contain the amount of spirulina indicated on the label. Claims that spirulina can prevent, treat or cure certain conditions, including high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, depression, viral hepatitis and malnutrition, are largely unsubstantiated by scientific evidence, adds Harvard Health Publishing.

The same is true of claims that spirulina can boost the immune system and improve kidney and liver function. When taken at the recommended dosage, spirulina side effects are few, says Harvard Health Publishing. However, spirulina may contain the amino acid phenylalanine and is therefore contraindicated for people who have phenylketonuria, a metabolic disorder whereby the body cannot metabolize phenylalanine.

Given the possible chlorella and spirulina side effects, it's best to check with your doctor or health provider before using these supplements, especially if you take other medications. URMC notes that spirulina may impact the effectiveness of blood thinners. The Journal of Applied Phycology study analyzed the use of microalgal food supplements, including spirulina, chlorella and aphanizomenon. The participants included a group of Polish consumers who used microalgal supplements mainly for their purported nutritional, immune-boosting and detoxifying purposes.

According to the study, the consumers primarily used the internet for information on these supplements, rarely turning to health specialists for guidance. In the study, respondents self-reported health benefits such as increased immunity, higher vitality, improved hair and skin quality and greater overall well-being. Study participants largely reported that spirulina benefits skin and that chlorella and spirulina intake had improved their hair and skin quality.

Although these benefits are not directly evidenced, say the authors, the claim is nonetheless plausible, given the nutritional content of these supplements.

As for chlorella, aphanizomenon and spirulina side effects, the most common complaints among participants were diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and skin rash.

Certain pre-existing medical conditions — namely renal failure and hypothyroidism, but not Hashimoto's thyroiditis — reportedly contributed to an increase in side effects. Chlorella and spirulina side effects may be attributable to their high content of certain compounds, including protein, chlorophyll, phosphorous, iron and manganese, says the Journal of Applied Phycology. Some people may be allergic to spirulina.

In severe cases, reactions can be fatal According to one study, people with other allergies are more likely to react negatively to spirulina than those without allergies. To be safe, people with allergies should avoid this supplement or reach out to a doctor before using it Spirulina and other algae also contain phenylalanine, a compound that people with phenylketonuria PKU — a rare inherited condition — should strictly avoid 2 2.

Some minor side effects of spirulina may include nausea, insomnia, and headaches. Still, this supplement is widely considered safe, and most people experience no side effects 2. Spirulina may be contaminated with harmful compounds, thin your blood, and worsen autoimmune conditions. Some people may be allergic, and those with PKU should avoid it. To avoid spirulina that has been contaminated with microcystins or toxins, only purchase products from trusted brands that have been tested by third-party organizations, such as U.

Keep in mind that even certified products may not be completely free of contaminants, as dietary supplements are largely unregulated in the United States. Purchasing from trusted brands can reduce your risk of contamination.

Although widely considered safe, spirulina has several potential side effects. Some supplements may be contaminated by toxins. You should avoid spirulina if you take blood thinners or have an autoimmune condition, bleeding disorder, allergies, or PKU.

Constipation is another common side effect. The algae has a tendency to absorb nutrients and moisture from the stomach and intestine, which can lead to stiff, bulky stools. People who stay well hydrated and take the supplements alongside foods that are high in natural fiber are less likely to experience this symptom. Fever sometimes accompanies this, though most of the time this particular symptom is more a result of pollution or contamination than digestive response.

Anyone who runs a fever for more than a day should usually stop taking the supplement and seek medical help to rule out serious reactions or conditions. Most health experts advise people who suffer from autoimmune conditions — like Celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis , or Multiple Sclerosis — to stay away from spirulina since certain compounds in blue-green algae can actually make many of these conditions worse.

One of the biggest benefits of the plant for healthy people is that is stimulates the immune system, but this can have very negative consequences for people whose immune systems are actually attacking otherwise healthy tissues. People who suffer from the rare but serious condition phenylketonuria should also avoid the supplement.

Read on to find out how. Back To TOC. Phenylketonuria is a genetically acquired disorder in which the patient cannot metabolize the amino acid called phenylalanine due to the lack of an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase. The patient exhibits symptoms like delayed development, convulsions, hyperactivity, and analytical disability.

Unfortunately, spirulina is a rich source of phenylalanine. An autoimmune disease develops when the immune system attacks the healthy tissues in your body, causing organ damage and inflammation. Arthritis, asthma, periodontitis, vitiligo, type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and pernicious anemia are a few examples of autoimmune diseases.

Spirulina is, after all, a foreign body. When you consume it, the body overreacts and amplifies the activity of the immune system.

This exacerbates the symptoms of a pre-existing disease or gives rise to severe inflammation 1. Spirulina is an irritant to your immune system. It can interfere with drugs, especially immunosuppressants. A person on immunosuppressant medication must not consume spirulina. Else, it will diminish the effect of the medication, resulting in serious complications. Certain varieties of spirulina that are produced under unrestrained settings are often infested with significant traces of heavy metals, such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and lead.

Prolonged consumption of spirulina that comes from such undependable sources results in damage to your vital organs, such as the kidneys and liver.

Compared to adults, children are at a higher risk of developing fatal complications due to heavy metal poisoning from contaminated spirulina.