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Is blue-green algae good for you?

The potential neurotoxicity of blue-green algae supplements remains a concern.

February 25, 2011 |
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Supplementary Info

Sources Cited

Pablo J, Banack SA, Cox PA, Johnson TE, Papapetropoulos S, Bradley WG, Buck A, Mash DC. Cyanobacterial neurotoxin BMAA in ALS and Alzheimer's disease. Acta Neurol Scand. 2009 Oct;120(4):216-25. Epub 2009 Feb 26.

Acknowledgements

Image thanks to Ohio Sea Grant.

Transcript

 So no change there either. What about chlorella? Blue-green algae supplements. Historically, the concern has been about a neurotoxin called BMAA. Should we continue to avoid blue-green algae? Yes, previously the only two places you could find this neurotoxin was in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients and on your health-food store shelf in the form of chlorella. But now it’s been found a third place, in the brains of those dying from Lou Gehrig’s disease. I’d continue to stay away from the stuff. 

To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring watch the above video. This is just an approximation of the audio contributed by veganmontreal.

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Dr. Michael Greger

Doctor's Note

Please feel free to post any ask-the-doctor type questions here in the comments section and I’d be happy to try to answer them. And check out theother videos on blue-green algae. And note that chlorella is not in the same category as blue-green algae. Also, there are 1,449 other subjects covered in the rest of my videos--please feel free to explore them as well!

  • http://nutritionfacts.org/members/mgreger/ Michael Greger M.D.

    Please feel free to post any ask-the-doctor type questions here in the comments section and I’d be happy to try to answer them. And check out the other videos on blue-green algae. And note that chlorella is not in the same category as blue-green algae. Also, there are 1,449 other subjects covered in the rest of my videos–please feel free to explore them as well!

  • Becky

    I was wondering if you know anything about Carageenen from seaweed, so far I’ve read that it isn’t good to consume, however some vitamin supplements have it, is this such a small amount I shouldn’t worry? Sorry I wasn’t sure where to post this.

    • Michael Greger M.D.

      As a precautionary measure I would recommend those with inflammatory intestinal disorders try to stay away from it. Still unclear whether it should be avoided otherwise. I’ll keep an eye out for new research–thanks for your question!

  • Michael Greger M.D.

    For some context, please check out my associated blog post Multivitamins and Mortality!

  • http://www.facebook.com/PurplePriestess Katharine Clark

    I would with the wild blue green algae and ee are PROVEN to be BMAA free (is 3rd party). We are NSF certified, proving we are clear of all contaminants including microcystin   http://www.simplysuperfood.com

  • http://www.facebook.com/PurplePriestess Katharine Clark

    Sorry – that was strange.  I work with the wild blue green algae from Upper Klamath Lake. While there has been a lot of negative press our algae is safe. I have been eating it 25 years.
    1. We are PROVEN to be BMAA free (is 3rd party)
    2. We are not farmed, and we are organic, removing herbicide/pesticide issues
    3. We are NSF certified, proving we are clear of all contaminants including microcystin

  • Jesse

    so you say that we should all take 250 mg of algae based DHA everyday but stay away from spirulina, chlorella and blue green. what gives?

    • http://nutritionfacts.org/ Michael Greger M.D.

      The algae-derived EPA/DHA is from golden algae.

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