Spirulina
Detox · Cyanobacterium
Tier C
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Spirulina as C (4.7/10) based on weak evidence, low-med benefit magnitude, and a low-med-risk safety profile.
The 'B12 in spirulina' claim is misleading — it's pseudo-B12 (corrinoid analog) that doesn't function in humans and may interfere with real B12 absorption.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 1-5 g/day PO — OTC; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
The 'B12 in spirulina' claim is misleading — it's pseudo-B12 (corrinoid analog) that doesn't function in humans and may interfere with real B12 absorption. Wild and poorly controlled sources can contain microcystins; contaminant testing varies by product. It provides protein and micronutrients; evidence for specific detoxification outcomes is weak.
Mechanism
Blue-green alga rich in protein (60-70% by weight), phycocyanin (antioxidant pigment), B12-analogs (not bioavailable), GLA; proposed heavy-metal binding and antioxidant effects
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
1-5 g/day PO
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Spirulina's effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Spirulina as Weak and the benefit magnitude as low-med, producing an overall grade of C (4.7/10). The 'B12 in spirulina' claim is misleading — it's pseudo-B12 (corrinoid analog) that doesn't function in humans and may interfere with real B12 absorption.
- What safety findings are reported for Spirulina?
- Spirulina has a low-med risk profile in the database. Low-Med (contamination with microcystins from wild-source or poorly-controlled cultivation — serious hepatotoxicity risk; phenylketonuria contraindication; vitamin K content) Legal status: OTC.
- What doses or routes are reported for Spirulina?
- 1-5 g/day PO This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Spirulina work?
- Blue-green alga rich in protein (60-70% by weight), phycocyanin (antioxidant pigment), B12-analogs (not bioavailable), GLA; proposed heavy-metal binding and antioxidant effects
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.