Another Update on Spirulina

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM · August 27, 2010 · Volume 4

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Potential neurotoxicity is another concern regarding spirulina supplements.

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Below is an approximation of this video’s audio content. To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video.

What’s the latest on spirulina supplements? The reason I told everyone to throw their spirulina away was that it was found to produce hepatotoxins. While blue-green algae supplements had the brain toxins, spirulina supplements were found to have liver toxins.

Should we continue to avoid the stuff? Yes. Now, spirulina can boast neurotoxins as well. In 2009, a potent neurotoxin was found in spirulina supplements for the first time.

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Food Chem Toxicol. 2009 Sep;47(9):2189-95. Epub 2009 Jun 9.First detection of anatoxin-a in human and animal dietary supplements containing cyanobacteria.Rellán S, Osswald J, Saker M, Gago-Martinez A, Vasconcelos V.

Doctor's Note

For more on spirulina, check out Infant Seizures Linked to Mother’s Spirulina Use.

And check out my other videos on spirulina.

For more context, also check out my associated blog post: Vitamin B12: how much, how often? and Toxin Contamination of Spirulina Supplements.

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