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.
Typical use: 1-5 g/day PO — OTC.
What this is
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. Contamination with microcystins is a real issue from wild/poorly-controlled sources; use tested brands. More useful as nutrient-dense food than as a detox agent specifically.
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
Dose & route
1-5 g/day PO
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16910007/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24942700/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5871327/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does Spirulina work?
- 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.
- Is Spirulina safe?
- Spirulina has a low-med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Spirulina?
- 1-5 g/day PO
- 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.