• Effects on AIDS, Cancer and the Immune System.
• Summary of clinical research with spirulina.
• Cholesterol reduction.
• Natural beta carotene and cancer prevention.
• Anti-cancer tumor effects.
• Phycocyanin enhances the immune system.
• Polysaccharides enhance the immune system.
• Sulfolipid extracts from blue-green algae stop HIV.
• Reduces kidney toxicity from mercury and drugs.
• Effects against diabetes and hypertension.
• Builds healthy lactobacillus.
• Wound healing and antibiotic effects.
• Benefits for malnourished children.
• Iron bioavailability and correction of anemia.
• GLA and prostaglandin stimulation.
• Weight loss research.
• Reduces effects of Chernobyl radiation.

(This information is solely for education and information purposes. It is not intended as medical advice. People with medical questions should consult their physician or health professional.)

By now, Americans are well aware of the need to lower cholesterol levels in order to lower the risks of heart attacks and strokes, the number one cause of death. Besides dietary improvements, the search is underway to identify natural foods having a cholesterol reducing effect, such as fish oil or oat bran.

Spirulina is one of these foods. In Japan, thirty male employees with high cholesterol, mild hypertension, and hyperlipidemia showed lower serum cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL (undesirable fat) levels after eating spirulina for eight weeks. These men did not change their diet, except adding spirulina.

Group A consumed 4.2 grams (about 8 tablets) daily for eight weeks. Total serum cholesterol dropped a significant 4.5% within four weeks from 244 to 233. Group B consumed spirulina for four weeks, then stopped. Serum cholesterol decreased but then returned to the initial level. Researchers found triglyceride levels decreased slightly and LDL cholesterol decreased a significant 6.1% within four weeks. The reduction of serum cholesterol was even greater in those men with the highest cholesterol levels.

This study conducted by the Department of Internal Medicine of Tokai University concluded spirulina did lower serum cholesterol and was likely to have a favorable effect on alleviating heart disease since the arterioscelosis index improved. No adverse effects were noted. The study did not speculate on how it lowered cholesterol.7

Researchers in West Germany had previously discovered cholesterol reduction during a weight loss study with spirulina.8 Japanese research showed lower cholesterol without weight loss, suggesting that cholesterol reduction was not related to weight loss. Spirulina was chosen because it previously lowered serum cholesterol in rats.9,10

A recent study with rats attempted to find the compound in spirulina that lowered serum cholesterol. Researchers discovered that the benefit may be through its effect on metabolism of lipoproteins. The oil soluble portion was found to suppress cholesterol levels in the serum and liver of rats.11

7. Nayaka, N. et al. Cholesterol lowering effect of spirulina. Tokai Univ, Japan. Nutrition Reports Int'l, June 1988, Vol 37, No. 6, 1329-1337. Nakaya, N. Effect of spirulina on reduction of serum cholesterol. Tokai Univ. Progress in Med. Nov. 1986, Vol 6, No. 11.
8. Becker, E.W. et al. Clinical and biochemical evaluations of spirulina with regard to its application in the treatment of obesity. Inst. Chem. Pfanz. Nutrition Reports International, April 1986, Vol. 33, No. 4, p. 565.
9. Devi, M.A. and Venkataraman, L.V. Hypocholesterolemic effect of blue-green algae spirulina platensis in albino rats. Nutrition Reports International, 1983, 28:519-530.
10.Kato, T. and Takemoto, K. Effects of spirulina on hypercholesterolemia and fatty liver in rats. Saitama Med. College, Japan. Japan Nutr Foods Assoc. Jour. 1984, 37:321.
11.Iwata, K. et al. Effects of spirulina on plasma lipoprotein lipase activity in rats. Journal Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol. 1990, 36:165-171.

Cancer is the number two cause of premature death in Americans. Increasing cancer rates seem to be caused by environmental factors, especially diet. Scientists are examining foods and substances having protective factors. Beta carotene is one of the most well known natural anti-cancer substances. Over the past 20 years, cancer health authorities, National Cancer Institute and dozens of publicized studies have shown evidence that eating vegetables rich in beta carotene reduces the risk of all kinds of cancer.

Beta carotene is the main source of Vitamin A for humans. Our bodies convert beta carotene to Vitamin A as we need it. Although very high dosages of Vitamin A supplements are toxic, high amounts of beta carotene from foods and supplements are safe. Spirulina is the richest beta carotene food known, having over ten times more beta carotene than any other food, including carrots.

Beta carotene is one of the most effective substances for deactivating free radicals, which damage cells, leading to cancer. Free radicals are molecular fragments from environmental pollution, toxic chemicals, drugs, and physical and emotional stress. Beta carotene prevents free radicals from reacting, and decreases incidence of lung cancer, prevents chemically induced tumors in animals, prevents precancerous prechromosome damage and enhances immunological resistance.

Over 100 animal studies confirm Vitamin A and beta carotene inhibit the development of various cancers and tumors. Many human epidemiological studies correlated high Vitamin A intake with decreased cancer risks.12 Beta carotene (and not the preformed Vitamin A from animal sources) correlated with lower cancer rates.13

Over 15 studies from 1975-1986 correlated lower incidence of lung cancer with beta carotene and Vitamin A. One study found the lower the serum level of beta carotene, the higher incidence of lung cancer.14 Nine studies from 1974-1986 correlated lower digestive tract cancer (oral, stomach, colon, gastrointestinal) with beta carotene and Vitamin A. Two studies with women correlated lower breast and cervix cancer. A five year study in China completed in 1993 with 29,000 people revealed daily doses of beta carotene, vitamin E and selenium reduced the incidence of cancer deaths by 13%.15

In 1982, the famous monograph "Diet, Nutrition and Cancer" published by the US National Research Council reviewed this overwhelming literature. It concluded "the epidemiological evidence is sufficient to suggest that foods rich in carotenes or Vitamin A are associated with a reduced risk of cancer." The study recommended a diet including beta carotene rich vegetables to reduce cancer risks.16

A 1987 Israeli study demonstrated natural beta carotene is more effective than synthetic. Natural beta carotene is better assimilated by the body because it contains the 9-cis carotenoid isomer, lacking in synthetic carotene molecules. This means beta carotene in algae and vegetables greater antioxidant power than synthetic beta carotene.17

Controversy arose in 1995 when synthetic beta carotene was found ineffective preventing cancer in Finnish and U.S. smokers, and could even be harmful. Yet, these studies were flawed. Researchers chose only synthetic beta carotene lacking the cis isomer and gave high megadoses which may have caused nutrient imbalance. These studies reinforced the interest in natural carotenoids in whole foods.

12. Peto, R. et al. Can dietary beta carotene reduce human cancer rates? Nature, 1981, 290:201-208.
13. Shekelle,R.B.etal.DietaryVitaminA and risk of cancer in Western Electric study.Lancet,1981,8257:1185-1189.
14. Menkes, et al. Serum beta carotene, vitamins A and E, selenium, and the risk of lung cancer. Johns Hopkins. N.E. Journal of Medicine, Nov. 1986, p. 1250.
15. Blot, William. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Sept. 15, 1993.
16. National Research Council. Diet, Nutrition and Cancer. National Academy Press, Washington DC, 1982.
17. Ben Amotz, A. Presentation to Polysaccharides from microalgae workshop, Duke University, 1987.

Because it is the richest natural beta carotene food, spirulina has been tested for anti-cancer effects. The Harvard University School of Dental Medicine reduced oral cancer cells with spirulina extracts. A beta carotene solution applied to cancerous tumors in mouths of hamsters reduced the number and size of tumors or caused them to disappear.18 When a beta carotene extract was fed to 20 hamsters pretreated to develop mouth cancer, none developed the disease. Tissue samples contained an immune stimulating substance believed to have destroyed cancer cells before they could multiply.19

In 1995, spirulina reversed oral cancer in pan tobacco chewers in Kerala, India. Complete regression of oral leukoplakia was found in 45% of those using one gram a day for one year, compared to only 7% with a placebo. Within one year of discontinuing spirulina, 45% of the lesions returned. This was the first human study of its chemopreventive potential.20

Evidence linking natural beta carotene and cancer prevention is impressive. For those who do not eat 4-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, spirulina will add natural carotene insurance.

18. Schwartz, J., Scklar, G., Suda, D. Inhibition of experimental oral carcinogenesis by topical beta carotene. Harvard School of Dental Med. Carcinogenesis, May 1986, 7(5) 711-715.
19. Schwartz, J., Scklar, G., Suda, D. Growth, inhibition and destruction of oral cancer cells by extracts from spirulina. Cancer & Nutrition, 6/88.
20. Babu, M. et al. Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with spirulina. Nutrition and Cancer V. 24, No. 2, p.197-202, 1995.

Part of the global effort to identify natural substances with an immune system boosting or anti-cancer effect focuses on blue-green algae. One unusual phytonutrient in blue-green algae is the natural blue protein pigment, phycocyanin.

In research in Japan, phycocyanin was taken orally by mice with liver cancer. The survival rate of the treatment group was significantly higher than the control group not given phycocyanin. After five weeks, 90% of the phycocyanin group survived, but only 25% of the control group. After eight weeks, 25% of the phycocyanin group still survived, yet none of the control group was alive. This suggests eating phycocyanin may increase survival of cancer stricken organisms.

In another study, after two weeks the white blood cells (lymphocyte activity) of a phycocyanin group were higher than the control group and higher than or equal to a normal group without cancer. This suggests phycocyanin raises lymphocyte activity.21

The lymph system's general function is to maintain healthy organs in the body, and protect against cancer, ulcers, bleeding piles and other diseases. These results suggest phycocyanin acts not by a limited attack on local cancer, but by strengthening the body's resistance through the lymph system. Phycocyanin may be active in preventing a host of degenerative organ diseases by increasing immunity.

A Japanese patent states a small dosage of phycocyanin daily maintains or accelerates normal control cell functions that prevents generation of malignancy such as cancer or inhibits its growth or recurrence.22 The patent recommends a phycocyanin dosage in a range of 0.25 to 2.5 grams per day. Spirulina from Earthrise Farms, California and Siam Algae, Thailand have a high 15% phycocyanin content. This means the patent recommended adult dosage would be filled by consuming 1.7 to 17 grams per day, making about ten grams a day a useful level.

Chinese scientists documented phycocyanin stimulates hematopoesis (creation of blood), emulating the hormone erythropoetin (EPO). EPO is produced by healthy kidneys and regulates bone marrow stem cell production of red blood cells. They claim phycocyanin regulated white blood cell production, even when bone marrow stem cells are damaged by toxic chemicals or radiation.23

21. Iijima, N., Shimamatsu, H., et al. (inventors; Dainippon Ink x Chemicals assignee). Anti-tumor agent and method of treatment therewith. US patent pending, ref. P1150-726-A82679, App. 15 Sep. 1982.
22. Dainippon Ink x Chemicals and Tokyo Kenkyukai (inventors and assignee). Anti-tumoral agents containing phycobilin- also used to treat ulcers and hemorrhoidal bleeding. 1983, JP 58065216 A 830418.
23. Zhang Cheng-Wu, et. al. Effects of polysaccharide and phycocyanin from spirulina on peripheral blood and hematopoietic system of bone marrow in mice. Second Asia-Pacific Conf. Ibid, April, 1994.

In 1979, Russian scientists published initial research on the immune stimulating effects on rabbits from lipopolysaccharides in spirulina.24 More recent studies in China and Japan have shown polysaccharide extracts increased macrophage function, antibody production and infection fighting T-cells.

In 1991-94 in China, polysaccharides and phycocyanin from spirulina increased immunity in mice by enhancing bone marrow reproduction, growth of thymus and spleen and biosynthesis of serum protein.25,26,27,28 In 1993 in Japan, hamsters treated with a polysaccharide extract had better recovery rates when infected with a herpes virus.3 In 1996, a water extract unique to spirulina, Calcium Spirulan, inhibited replication of HIV-1, Herpes Simplex and other viruses, yet was very safe for human cells.2

In the USA, a water soluble extract increased macrophage activity in chickens. In further 1993-96 studies, chickens fed a diet with less than 1% spirulina showed improved immune performance without any adverse side effects The whole immune system array of killer cells, helper cells and antibody production was supercharged.29,30 Similar benefits were found for cats.31

Researchers are testing the theory that spirulina and its extracts act much like a broad spectrum vaccine against bacteria. Because it is a safe natural food, this research has created a sensation among animal scientists. They are scrambling to replace ineffective antibiotics with probiotics that strengthen the immune system and prevent disease. Based on this animal research, as little as 3 grams per day may be effective for humans.32

In 1996, U.S. scientists announced on-going research, documenting that a water extract of spirulina inhibits HIV-1 replication in human derived T-cells and in human blood mononuclear cells.1 HIV-1 is the AIDS virus. Small amounts of the extract reduced viral replication, while higher concentration totally stopped its reproduction. The extract seemed to prevent the virus from penetrating the cell membrane, therefore the virus was unable to replicate. This spirulina extract was non-toxic to human cells. The scientists said this was only preliminary research, to be followed by animal and human studies.

24. Besednova, T. et. al. Immunostimulating activity of lipopolysaccharides in blue-green algae. Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii, Immunobiologii, 56 (12), p. 75-79. 1979.
25. Baojiang, G. et. al. Study on effect and mechanism of Polysaccharides of spirulina on body immune function improvement. Second Asia-Pacific Conference on Algal Biotechnology. Singapore, April, 1994, p. 24.
26. Zhang Cheng-Wu, et. al. Effects of polysaccharide and phycocyanin from spirulina on peripheral blood and hematopoietic system of bone marrow in mice. Second Asia Pacific Conf. Ibid, April, 1994.
27. Qishen, P. et. al. Endonuclease activity and repair DNA synthesis by polysaccharide of spirulina. Acta Genetica Sinica (Chinese J. of Genetics). V.15(5) p. 374-381. 1988.
28. Lisheng, L. et. al. Inhibitive effect and mechanism of polysaccharide of spirulina on transplanted tumor cells in mice. Marine Sciences, Qindao, China. N.5, 1991, p.33-38.
29. Qureshi, M. et al. Spirulina extract enhances chicken macrophage functions after in vitro exposure. J. Nutritional Immunology, V.3(4) 1995, p. 35-45.
30. Qureshi, M. et al. Dietary spirulina enhances humoral and cell-mediated immune functions in chickens. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology, 1996.
31. Qureshi, M. et al. spirulina exposure enhances macrophage phagocytic function in cats. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology, 1996.
32. Belay, A., Henson, R., Ota, Y. Potential Pharmaceutical Substances from Aquaculturally Produced Spirulina. Earthrise Farms, Calipatria CA. Presented to World Aquaculture Society, New Orleans. Jan. 1994.

The Natural Products Branch of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is searching the world for natural plants and organisms that have biologically active anti-cancer agents. The famous periwinkle plant in the Madagascar rain forests is one example of a new cancer cure. Having scoured terrestrial organisms, scientists are now looking towards the sea.

NCI scientists have screened 18,000 extracts of marine organisms for activity against tumors, viruses and fungi and for immune system stimulation properties. Extracts of sea squirts, sea whip soft corals, and sea sponges offer potential new drugs.

In 1986, the NCI began studying thousands of types of blue-green algae for effects against the AIDS virus and 100 types of cancer. In 1989, the NCI announced that chemicals from blue-green algae were found to be "remarkably active" against the AIDS virus.33 These are the naturally occurring sulfolipid portions of the glycolipids. Sulfolipids can prevent viruses from either attaching to or penetrating into cells, thus preventing viral infection.

NCI emphasized that a larger testing program including tests on humans with the AIDS virus would not begin until sulfolipids can be obtained in much larger quantities. These scientists further speculated that if sulfolipids proved effective, used in combination with drugs like AZT, they would be safer and more effective.

Scientists used extracts of the blue-green algae lyngbya, phormidium, oscillatoria (a member of the spirulina family) and anabaena. Spirulina is known to contain glycolipids and sulfolipids.34 It contains 5-8% lipids, and of that, about 40% are glycolipids, and 2-5% are sulfolipids.35 Analysis by Earthrise Farms revealed it has about 1% sulfolipids. Blue-green algae can be cultivated in ways to significantly increase the lipids, and presumably, the sulfolipids. This means it could be grown on a large scale for extraction of this valuable anti-cancer and anti-AIDS substance.

In 1996, NCI scientists announced another extract from the blue-green algae nostoc, cyanovirin-n, could be a broad spectrum virucidal agent against HIV. This unique antiviral protein was selected for further high-priority preclinical development.36

33. Gustafson K, et al. AIDS-Antiviral sufolipids from cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Journal of the National Cancer Institute, August 16, 1989, p 1254.
34. Kataoka, N. and Misaki, A. Glycolipids isolated from spirulina maxima: structure and fatty acid composition. Agric. Biol. Chem. 47 (10), 2349-2355, 1983.
35. Venkataraman, L.V. and Becker, E.W. Biotechnology x Utilization of Algae- The Indian Experience. Sharada Press, Mangalore, India, 1985, p 114-115.
36. Boyd, M, Gustafson, K. et al. Cyanovirin-N, a novel HIV-inactivating protein that targets viral GP120. Am. Soc. of Pharmacognosy, UC Santa Cruz. July 27-31, 1996.

Kidneys play an essential role in cleansing the body of toxins. Heavy metals and many drugs are known to be toxic to the kidneys. Scientists are interested in substances that can help cleanse the kidneys of toxic side effects from heavy metal poisoning or from high intake of medicines or pharmaceutical drugs.

In Japan, spirulina reduced kidney nephrotoxicity from mercury and three pharmaceutical drugs in laboratory rats.37 Scientists measured two indicators of kidney toxicity-blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine. When the rats were fed a diet with 30% spirulina, BUN and serum creatinine levels decreased dramatically.

Similar effects were observed when rats were given common drug medications: para-aminophenol (painkiller), Gentamicin (antibiotic) and cis-dichloro-diaminoplatinum (anti-cancer drug). In all cases, the spirulina diet greatly decreased BUN and serum creatinine levels, and in two cases, brought serum creatinine down to original levels.

In a follow-up study, urinary excretion of two enzymes were measured as further indicators of renal function. The activities of both were significantly reduced in the group fed 30% spirulina. The effective compound responsible for the suppression of renal toxicity was the water soluble extract, phycocyanin.38

These studies suggest spirulina may have a beneficial effect for humans suffering from heavy metal poisoning. They also suggest kidney side effects from pharmaceutical drugs may decrease when it is eaten along with the administration of drugs. Side effects limit the dosage of many drugs, slowing the recovery period. With clinical use in hospitals or with outpatients, higher dosage of such drugs and shorter recovery times may be possible. In any event, study of the kidney cleansing effect offers an insight into the cleansing effects people have reported while fasting.

A 1997 study found liver detoxification of chemical dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins). The fecal excretion of dioxin was 7 to 11 times higher for rats on a treatment diet of chlorophyll rich foods (20% chlorella, 20% spirulina or 2% chlorophyllin). These findings suggest chlorella, spirulina and chlorophyllin are useful as a new approach in the treatments of patients exposed to lipophilic zenobiotics.38A

37. Yamane, Y. The effect of spirulina on nephrotoxicity in rats. Presented at Annual Sym. of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, Apr. 15, 1988, Chiba Univ, Japan.
38. Fukino, H. et al. Effect of spirulina on the renal toxicity induced by inorganic mercury and cisplatin. Eisei Kagaku. 1990, 36:5.
38A. Morita, T. et al. Effect of chlorella, spirulina and chlorophyllin on fecal excretion of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins in rats. Fukuouka Institute. Japan Journal Toxicology and Environmental Health 1997, 43(1) .

Spirulina may have a positive effect against diabetes. A water soluble fraction was found to be effective in lowering the serum glucose level at fasting while the water-insoluble fraction suppressed glucose level at glucose loading.39 It may also reduce blood pressure. In a recent study with rats, it was found to reduce high blood pressure.40

39. Takai, Y. et al. Effect of water soluble and insoluble fractions of spirulina over serum lipids and glucose resistance of rats. J. Jap. Soc. Nutr. Food Sci. 1991, 44: 273-277.
40. Iwata, K. et al. Effects of spirulina on plasma lipoprotein lipase activity in rats. Journal Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol. 1990, 36:165-171.

Healthy lactobacillus in the intestines provides humans with three major benefits: better digestion and absorption, protection from infection, and stimulation of the immune system. For these reasons, many people take lactobacillus supplements.

Research in Japan showed spirulina increased lactobacillus in rats 3 times over a control group. A diet with 5% spirulina for 100 days showed 1) caecum weight increased 13%, 2) lactobacillus increased 327%, and 3) Vitamin B1 inside the caecum increased 43%.41 Since spirulina did not supply this additional B1, it improved B1 absorption. The study suggests spirulina should increase lactobacillus in humans and increase absorption of B1 and other dietary vitamins.

This has implications for AIDS. Some researchers believe the inability to absorb nutrients in the intestines can cause serious immune deficiency. The absence of lactobacillus leads to thriving infections. Nutrient malabsorption with ‘opportunistic infections’ can initiate full-blown AIDS. One strategy for halting the progression of AIDS is based on supplementation (to correct malabsorption) and lactobacillus (to maintain proper intestinal flora and prevent infection).42

41. Tokai, Y., et al. Effects of spirulina on caecum content in rats. Chiba Hygiene College Bulletin (Japan), Feb. 1987, Vol. 5, no. 2.
42. Archer, D.L. and Glinsmann, W.H. Intestinal infection and malnutrition initiate AIDS. US FDA. Nutrition Research, 1985. 5:19-19. Archer, D.L. and Glinsmann, W.H. Enteric infections and other cofactors in AIDS. Immunology Today, 1985, Vol. 6, no.10.

People have used spirulina in face creams and body wraps, and there are reports of people taking it in baths to promote skin health. The Kanembu people in Chad use freshly harvested algae as a skin poultice for treating certain diseases

Pharmaceutical compounds in France containing spirulina accelerated wound healing. Patients used whole spirulina, raw juice and extracts in creams, ointments, solutions and suspensions.43 A study in Japan showed cosmetic packs containing spirulina and its enzymatic hydrolyzates promoted skin metabolism and reduced scars.44

Additional research showed extracts of spirulina inhibited the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungi.45,46 The antibiotic substances in these extracts may have medical applications.

43. Clement, G. et al. (inventors; Institute Francais de Petrol, assignee.) Wound treating medicaments containing algae. Fr. M. 5279 (Int. Cl. A61k), 11 Sep. 1967.
44. Yoshida,R. Spirulina hydrolyzates for cosmetic packs. Japan.Kokai 7731,838(Int.Cl.A61k7100),10 Mar.1977.
45. Martinez-Nadal, N.G. Antimicrobial activity of spirulina. XIntl Cong. of Microbiology, Mexico City, Aug. 1970.
46. Jorjani, G., Amirani, P. Antibacterial activities of spirulina. Maj. Iimy Puz. Danisk.Jundi Shap, 1978, 1:14-18.

As little a ten grams a day brings rapid recovery from malnutrition, especially for infants. Spirulina was given to undernourished children in Mexico,47 and adults48 with beneficial results. It was more than 10% of their diet and no adverse effects were noted.

In Togo, rapid recovery of malnourished infants was reported in a village clinic. Children given 10 to 15 grams per day mixed with millet, water and spices, recovered in several weeks.49 In India, large scale studies with preschool children showed carotenes in spirulina helped children recover from symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency.50,51

In Romania, tablets were given to patients with nutritional deficiencies in a Bucharest municipal clinic. Patients had suffered weight loss in conjunction with chronic pancreatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, anemia, diabetes and other symptoms. The patients gained weight and their health improved.52

In China, spirulina was prescribed at Nanjing Children's Hospital as a 'baby nourishing formula' with baked barley sprouts. 27 of 30 children aged two to six recovered in a short period from bad appetite, night sweat, diarrhea and constipation. The researchers concluded this is a genuine health food for children.53 In another study, children deficient in the essential mineral zinc, made more rapid recovery with high zinc spirulina than a standard zinc supplement.54

47. Ramos Galvan, R. Clinical experimentation with spirulina. Colloque sur la valeur nutritionelle des algues spirulines, Rueill, May 1973. Nat. Inst. of Nutrition, Mexico City.
48. Sautier, C. and Tremolieres, J. Food value of spirulina in humans. Ann. Nutrition Alim, 1976, 30:517-534. (French).
49. Fox, Ripley D. Integrated village health and energy system, Farende, Togo. April 4, 1986 letter.
Fox, R. D. Algoculture: Spirulina, hope for a hungry world. Pub. by Edisud, Aix-en Provence, France, 1986.
50. Seshadri, C.V. Large Scale Nutritional Supplementation with spirulina alga. All India Project. Shri Amm Murugappa Chettiar Research Center (MCRC) Madras. 1993.
51. Annapurna, V. et al. Bioavailability of spirulina carotenes in preschool children. National Institute of Nutrition. Hyderabad, India. J. Clin. Biochem Nutrition. 10 p. 145-151. 1991.
52. Fica, V. et al. Observations on the utilization of spirulina as a nutritive factor in treatingdiseases accompanied by a nutritional deficiency. Clinica II Medicala, Spitalui Clinic Municipiului, Bucuresti. Med Interna 36 (3), 1984.
53. Miao Jian Ren. Spirulina in Jiangxi China. Academy of Agricultural Science, Jiangxi province, China. Paper presented at Soc. Appl. Algology, Lille, France, Sep. 1987.
54. Yonghuang, W. et al. The study on curative effect of zinc containing spirulina for zinc deficient children. Shenzhen Blue-Green Algal Biotech. Corp, Capital Medical College, Beijing, 5th Int'l Phyco Cong, Qingdao, China. June 1994.

Iron is the most common mineral deficiency worldwide. Iron anemia is prevalent in women, children, older people, and especially women on weight loss diets. Iron is essential for healthy red blood cells and a strong immune system, but typical iron supplements are not well absorbed by the human body. Because spirulina is known to have a very high iron content, it was tested against a typical iron supplement. Spirulina fed rats absorbed 60% more iron than rats fed the iron supplement, suggesting there is a highly available form of iron in spirulina.55 An earlier study showed it corrected anemia in rats.56

In Japan, eight young women had been limiting their meals to stay thin, and showed hypochronic anemia Ð lower than normal blood hemoglobin content. After four grams of spirulina after each meal, in 30 days, blood hemoglobin content increased 21% from 10.9 to 13.2, a satisfactory level, no longer considered anemic.57

Athletes in intensive training can suffer from non-anemic iron deficit, with clinical symptoms such as exhaustion and muscle fatigue. A 1998 study with Macedonian male and female athletes taking spirulina for two months showed a distinct rise in iron reserves. This simple dietary modification can eliminate iron deficit symptoms and optimize athletic health and physical capacity.57A

55.Johnson, P., Shubert, E. Availability of iron to rats from spirulina, a blue-green alga. Nutrition Research, 1986, Vol. 6, 85-94.
56. Takemoto, K. Iron transfer from spirulina to blood in rats. Saitama Medical College, Japan, 1982.
57. Takeuchi, T. Clinical experiences of administration of spirulina to patients with hypochronic anemia. Tokyo Medical and Dental Univ., Japan, 1978.
57A. Trojacanec, Z. et al. Influence of extensive training on the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin level and its correction. Inst. for Physiology, Skopje, Macedonia. XXIV FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine, June 1998.

Foods high in saturated fats, typical of the American diet, may block the beneficial work of essential fatty acids in the human body, leading to many disease conditions.

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid, is a precursor for the body's prostaglandins, master hormones that control many body functions. The prostaglandin PGE1 is involved in many tasks including regulation of blood pressure, cholesterol synthesis, inflammation and cell proliferation. PGE1 is usually formed from dietary linolenic acid, and the GLA progresses to PGE1.58 Dietary saturated fats and alcohol and other factors may inhibit this process, resulting in GLA deficiency and suppressed PGE1 formation.59

Numerous studies have shown GLA deficiency may figure in degenerative diseases and other health problems. Clinical studies show dietary intake of GLA can help arthritis,60 heart disease,61 obesity62 and zinc deficiency.63 Alcoholism, manic-depression, aging symptoms and schizophrenia also have been ascribed partially to GLA deficiency.64 A source of dietary GLA may help conditions of heart disease, premenstrual stress, obesity, arthritis and alcoholism.65 In Spain, the GLA in spirulina and evening primrose oil is prescribed for treatment of various chronic health problems.66

The few known sources of GLA include two foods, human milk and spirulina, and oil of the evening primrose plant, black currant and borage seeds. Ten grams of spirulina has over 100 mg of GLA. This high amount of GLA is well documented.67,68,69 It is about 5% essential fatty acids and 20% of this is GLA.

58. Jassby, Alan. Nutritional and Therapeutic Properties of Spirulina. Proteus Corp. 1983.
59. Tudge, C. Why we could all need the evening primrose. New Scientist, Nov. 1981, 506:23.
60. Kunkel, S.L. et al. Suppression of chronic inflammation by evening primrose oil. Progress in Lipids, 1982, Vol. 20, p. 885-888.
61. Kernoff, P.B.A, et al. Antithrombotic potential of DGLA in man. British Med. Journal, 1977, 2:1441-1444.
62. Vadaddi, K.S., Horrobin, D.F. Weight loss produced by evening primrose oil. IRSC Med. Sci., 1979, 7:52.
63. Huang, Y.S. et al. Biological effects of zinc deficiency corrected by GLA. Atheroscelosis, 1982, 41:193-208.
64. Horrobin, D.F. The possible roles of prostaglandin E1 and of essential fatty acids in mania, depression and alcoholism. Progress in Lipids, 1981. Vol 20, 539-541. Horrobin, D.F. Loss of delta-6-desaturase activity as a key factor in aging. Med Hypotheses, 1981, 7:1211-1220.
65. Passwater, R.A. Evening Primrose Oil. Keats Publishing Co. New Canaan, CT, 1981.
66. Lopez-Romero, D. Gamma linolenic acid as a base of treatment for infirmities with evening primrose oil and spirulina. Med. Holistica, Madrid, Spain, 12 Oct. 1987.
67. Hudson and Karlis. The lipids of the alga spirulina. J. Sci Food Agric., 1974, 25: 759.
68. Nichols, B., Wood, B. The occurrence and biosynthesis of gamma linolenic acid in spirulina platensis. Lipids, 1986, Vol 3, No. 1, 46-50.
69. Roughhan, P. Grattan. Spirulina: Source of dietary gamma-linolenic acid? J.Sci.Food Agric., 1989,47, 85-93.

Researchers in Germany used 15 human volunteers to test an appetite reducing effect. Obese outpatients, who were following a weight reduction diet, took spirulina tablets before each meal three times a day for four weeks. In this double blind crossover study against a placebo, about 6 tablets three times a day over four weeks showed a small but statistically significant reduction of body weight. There was also a significant drop in serum cholesterol levels.70

70. Becker, E.W. et al. Clinical and biochemical evaluations of the alga spirulina with regard to its application in the treatment of obesity. Inst. Chem. Pfanzenphysiologie. Nutrition Reports Int'l, April 1986, Vol. 33, No 4, 565.

Years after the Chernobyl disaster, four million people in Ukraine and Belarus live in dangerously radioactive areas. The water, soil and food over an 11,000 square mile area is contaminated. Over 160,000 children are victims of radiation poisoning, with birth defects, leukemia, cancer, thyroid disease, anemia, loss of vision and appetite and depressed immune system, now called "Chernobyl AIDS."

Doctors reported spirulina's health benefits for child victims of Chernobyl radiation. Spirulina reduced urine radioactivity levels by 50% in only 20 days. This result was achieved by giving 5 grams a day to children at the Minsk, Belarus Institute of Radiation Medicine. The Institute program treated 100 children every 20 days.

An unpublished 1993 report confirmed 1990-91 research, concluding "spirulina decreases radiation dose load received from food contaminated with radionucleides, Cesium-137 and Strontium-90. It is favorable for normalizing the adaptive potential of children's bodies in conditions of long-lived low dose radiation."71

Based on testing in 1990, the Belarus Ministry of Health concluded spirulina promotes the evacuation of radionucleides from the human body. No side effects were registered. The Ministry considered this food was advisable for the treatment of people subject to radiation effects, and requested additional donations from the Earthrise Com-pany of California and Dainippon Ink & Chemicals of Japan.72

4.6. Nurse and child radiation victim, at medical clinic in Belarus.

Previous research in China in 1989 demonstrated a natural polysaccharide extract of spirulina had a protective effect against gamma radiation in mice.74 Subsequent research showed phycocyanin and polysaccharides enhanced the reproduction of bone marrow and cellular immunity.26

In a 1991 study of 49 kindergarten children aged 3 to 7 years old in Beryozova, spirulina was given to 49 children for 45 days. Doctors found T-cell suppressors and beneficial hormones rose, and in 83% of the children, radioactivity of the urine decreased.73

A Russian patent was awarded in 1994 for the use of spirulina as a medical food to reduce allergic reactions from radiation sickness. The patent was based on a study of 270 children living in highly radioactive areas. They had chronic radiation sickness and elevated levels of Immunoglobulin (IgE), a marker for high allergy sensitivity. Thirty five were prescribed 20 tablets per day (about 5 grams) for 45 days. Consuming spirulina lowered the levels of IgE in the blood, which in turn, normalized allergic sensitivities in the body.75

Research continuing through 1999 in Belarus showed immune building, normalization of peroxide lipid oxidation and detoxifying effects of spirulina supplements in children and teenagers. Scientists theorized spirulina may form non-absorbable complexes of radionucleides through analogues such as calcium or potassium and promotes their excretion.76

71.Loseva, L.P. and Dardynskaya, I.V. Spirulina- natural sorbent of radionucleides. Research Institute of Radiation Medicine, Minsk, Belarus. 6th Intl Congress of Applied Algology, Czech Republic, Sep. 9, 1993.
72. Sokolovskiy, V. Corres. from the First Secretary BSSR Mission to the United Nations, May 20, 1991.
73. Belookaya, T. Corres. from Chairman of Byelorussian Committee "Children of Chernobyl" May 31, 1991.
74. Qishen, P. et. al. Radioprotective effect of extract from spirulina platensis in mouse bone marrow cells studied by using the micronucleus test. Toxicology letters. 1989. 48:165-169.
75. Evets, P. et. al. Means to normalize the levels of immunoglobulin E, using the food supplement spirulina. Grodenski State Medical Univ. Russian Fed Comm Patents and Trade. Patent (19)RU (11)2005486. Jan. 15, 1994.
76. Loseva, L.P. Spirulina platensis and specialties to support detoxifying pollutants and to strengthen the immune system. Research Institute of Radiation Medicine, Minsk, Belarus. Presented at 8th Int'l Congress of Applied Algology, Italy Sep. 1999.