Written by Ash, ACE, MSc

Last Updated on January 20th, 2022

Spirulina, cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, is an organism that thrives both in fresh and saltwater. It produces energy through photosynthesis and is considered the most nutritious food on the planet. The microorganism is naturally grown and cultivated, then manufactured with an organic method that preserves its purity and nutritional value. 

Spirulina is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It is also known to lower harmful cholesterol levels, helps in regulating blood sugar levels, and possibly reduce blood pressure. Other benefits include aiding in allergic rhinitis, effective against anemia, and improving muscle endurance. Of course, most of these claims are still subject to further scientific studies and research, but strong indications suggest improvements in individuals currently administered with the supplement.

Due to the many potential benefits of this ‘superfood,’ it is no surprise that several spirulina supplements have cropped up in the market. This guide aims to help you choose among the tons of options available by running down the crucial factors to be considered in making the best brand to suit your particular needs.

Our editorial team has unanimously agreed that NOW Foods Spirulina is the best spirulina supplement for the following reasons:

NOW Foods Spirulina, a purely natural spirulina powder, gives you a wide range of spirulina advantages. It contains naturally occurring GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and chlorophyll. The supplement helps manage cholesterol levels, aids in regulating blood sugar levels, and potentially reduces blood pressure. It is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It must be noted that most of these claims still require further studies and research, although current indications show improvements in people taking the supplement.

This product comes both in a gel capsule or powder.

Each daily serving of six 500mg tablets delivers:

Each daily dosage of 7g (approx. 2 teaspoons) contains:

NOW Foods has continuously been a quality-focused family-owned business since its establishment in 1968 in Illinois. NOW is entirely determined to offer consumers with health and wellness quality products. In keeping with their status, they produce some of the best spirulina supplements in the industry. Their production sites are GMP-specialized and utilize the most stringent quality control methods. NOW Foods being a trustworthy manufacturer; you are assured that all their products passed stringent quality control procedures and are 100% free of impurities.

Pure Hawaiian Spirulina claims to sustain healthy aging by enhancing the immune system, normalizing lipid and cholesterol levels, providing substantial nourishment to accommodate an active, healthy lifestyle, and providing healthy cellular well-being. Of course, these claims are subject to further studies and research.

It is ranked top of the spirulina supplements list, primarily due to tremendously positive reviews. Their best seller option is the bottle containing 400 tablets because it provides users approximately two months’ worth of spirulina stock at a low price. Also, it has the most nutrients gram per gram than any spirulina supplement currently available. One serving of Hawaiian Spirulina is equivalent to five servings of vegetables and fruits while containing more nutrition compared to several other singular whole foods. Furthermore, it is packed with Vitamin A obtained from beta carotene.

Each recommended daily dosage (6 tablets) provides:

Nutrex Hawaii manufactures Pure Hawaiian Spirulina. The firm was established by a carotenoids and microalgae expert, Dr. Gerald Cysewski, in 1990 in Hawaii.

Nutrex Hawaii manufactures its product through a GMP-conforming process that emphasizes on blending the most advanced scientific studies with high-quality production procedures. They grow the spirulina in a controlled area called a “biosecure zone” in Kona, Hawaii. That means the product is 100% certified free of microcystins, harmful bacteria, and heavy metals.

HealthForce Spirulina Manna, 100% pure spirulina powder, is full of protein (60-70%) and several nutrients. It has a great taste, fully grown, and manufactured in the US.

HealthForce’s TruGanic™ Sourcing quality standard guarantees that all their products have gone through very strict testing, and do not contain any GMOs, pesticides, and irradiation.

HealthForce claims that Spirulina Manna contains high levels of phycocyanin, offering powerful antioxidant features, enhances kidney health, and provides a healthy inflammatory reaction. However, these claims are subject to further studies and research and are not FDA-confirmed to have therapeutic properties.

Each suggested daily serving five vegan capsules (2.5g) contains:

Since its inception in 1990, HealthForce has gone on from grassroots beginnings as a couple of young visionaries started it with a passion for natural living and well-being. It has then developed into a reputable natural supplement manufacturer through sheer hard work and determination.

Furthermore, HealthForce has committed to making excellent products that enable people to have healthier lives. The company has established and patented their TruGanic sourcing quality, which specifies that their products undergo stringent quality control and testing to guarantee purity and quality. That makesHealthForce Spirulina Manna one of the top-quality spirulina supplements available in the market.

Source Naturals Organic Spirulina comes as one hundred percent organic dry spirulina powder. It is the closest to being natural as possible, which makes it a top-tier spirulina supplement. Every serving contains approximately 70% protein in weight, with a high amount of vitamins, minerals, and vital nutritious components.

Source Naturals Organic Spirulina, a vegan product, does not contain gluten, corn, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, or yeast. It does not have any artificial coloring, flavors, or preservatives.

Each daily recommended serving of 6 tablets (3g) contains:

Since its 1982 establishment, Source Naturals rapidly became a leader in the diet supplement community. Source Naturals became one of many pioneering companies in creating formulations containing multiple vitamins and herbs. Their top-tier products have facilitated wellness-mindful persons to manage their health with confidence and ease.

Dr. Mercola Spiru-Blue, a superior spirulina supplement, is mixed with a carotenoid complex known as Astaxanthin. The latter is historically related to blood circulatory and immunity-enhancing benefits. It is organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, and thoroughly tested for contaminants and heavy metals. The tablets have a phycocyanin (spirulina extract) coating providing antioxidant protection benefits.

Dr. Mercola Spiru-Blue may help bring about healthy brain and eye function, protect against stress, overall cardiovascular health, promote healthy immunity reaction, and help the body detoxify normally. 

However, it is essential to note that all the above claims are subject to further studies and research.

Each recommended daily dosage (4 tablets) has:

Dr. Joseph Mercola has been a doctor based in Chicago and a successful author who has published health journals. His passion for providing organic health products started from observing his patients improve with modified diets incorporating similar health supplements. Since then, he devoted his time and energy to helping people achieve healthy living and wellness.

Today, Dr. Mercola’s line of products is highly respected within the supplement industry. Dr. Mercola’s supplements are directed by clinical knowledge and scientific research; they also undergo rigorous quality assurance processes. That is a perfect option for anybody searching for a top-quality product.

Triquetra Health Spirulina delivers the nutritious “superfood” with an expedient tablet format. It is an effective vegan product that has no heavy metals, contaminants, and other toxins. Every significant certifying body has certified the product for organics, including Ecocert, EU Organic, Naturland, and USDA. It has also passed all rigid testing measures and quality control processes to ensure users of the product’s purity and safety.

Triquetra Health Spirulina has been shown to enhance blood, brain, and cardiovascular health while aiding the body in detoxifying activities. Further studies are still required to verify these attributes, and currently do not have therapeutic evidence.

Each suggested daily dosage (4 tablets) provides:

Triquetra Health produces a line of top-quality natural health supplements. The products are made via 100% vegan farming that guarantees their products being organic, gluten-free, non-GMO and contains no synthetic chemicals. They also pass the most rigorous quality accreditation criteria.

Solaray Spirulina supplements support optimal wellness and health with a full spectrum of vital nutrients. When administered in the suggested dosage, these convenient capsules offer an array of spirulina benefits, including aiding in allergic rhinitis, effective against anemia, and improved muscle endurance. All claims do not have any therapeutic effects and still need more study and evaluation.

Each recommended daily dosage (3 capsules) provides:

Solaray was established in 1973 in Utah and has become a leading maker of health supplements. The company adheres to GMP rules, maintains strict screening and testing procedures, thereby making sure of their ingredients’ purity and their supplements’ potency. Solaray produces an affordable but reasonably potent and effective health supplement.

Swanson’s spirulina, being popular among spirulina aficionados, is a certified 100% organic product. It is made in convenient tablets that provide you with a potent formula. The spirulina utilized in this dietary supplement, called Parry’s Vegetarian Organic Spirulina, is a widely-regarded top spirulina formulation.

Each suggested daily dosage (2 tablets) provides:

The establishment of Swanson Health Products in 1969 is an exciting story in itself. Leland Swanson, owner and founder of the company, has chronically had arthritis. That illness restricted his capability to play golf, his only passionate indulgence in life. As such, he resolved to produce health-related products that could allow people to stay healthy and live happily.

Being a family corporation, Swanson Health Products are fully committed to producing top-tier health supplements to aid you in pursuing your life‘s passions.

GNC Superfoods Spirulina is made in gelatin capsules containing pure spirulina powder. As this product contains high amounts of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and protein, it merits the brand “superfood.”

GNC has been America’s leading nutritional supplement manufacturer since the 1930s. Starting from humble beginnings as a small store in Pittsburg, today, GNC is the biggest chain of health food stores globally, with more than 8,000 outlets worldwide. GNC is the leader in the development and manufacture of dietary supplements and is committed to producing the highest quality products available. 

GNC takes pride in its devotion to stringent quality assurance. Their rank as the industry frontrunner comes from their commitment to safety, potency, transparency in cataloging, and their quest for the most current and best in nutritive science research. GNC’s efforts have enabled their Spirulina supplement to acquire a very high positive feedback, mainly due to its potency, effectiveness, and most of all, its affordability.

Viva Naturals Spirulina powder supplement contains spirulina that is purely grown in California. It is non-GMO and has no pesticides, rendering it a highly potent spirulina supplement. This product is nutrient-dense because it contains excellent amounts of minerals, vitamins, protein, and various essential phytomolecules.

Each daily recommended dosage (3g) provides:

Viva Naturals, having been founded in 2011, is a relative newcomer in the health supplement arena. Nonetheless, their passion for quality and the company’s unwavering participation in each stage in the manufacturing procedure has brought about their fast rise to standing in the wellness and health industry. 

There are vast numbers of spirulina supplements existing in the market, and they claim to offer hundreds of wonders for you. Because we know choosing one can be very challenging, we give you a list of the criteria we used to evaluate each product.

Is the brand promising to cure an illness in a month completely, and all you need is to take a few capsules of some grams of powder? Be cautious of companies making bizarre claims. Remember that wellness and overall healthy body function is not an overnight success, but an arduous and time-consuming effort.

Are you familiar with this brand or company? Are they known in the health and wellness industry? Maybe you know a friend or acquaintance who is familiar with them? You can check them out in Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot to make sure there is nothing suspicious about the brand before making any choices.

Many spirulina supplements come in capsule or tablet form, while others come in powder form. The form doesn’t influence the product’s effectiveness so that you can make any choice according to your preference.

Always be mindful of the number of capsules or tablets per serving, as well as per container. This step also applies to products in powder form. All those features affect the overall product value.

At times, the price can be an indication of quality or, in the case of supplements, potency; if it is very low compared to other brands, the dosages may not be enough or include unproven components. On the other hand, if it is too expensive, it should have the correct amounts of essential ingredients.

An essential factor, the supplement must not contain any genetically modified organism.

Spirulina is naturally grown or cultivated. As such, there should be no heavy metals present. Although some have substantial iron amounts incorporated in the supplement, this is not dangerous as iron is even introduced into baby formulations during infancy.

Another vital indication is the absence of allergens like gluten, egg, lactose, soy, corn, and others.

It is crucial to discern that a product contains safe and high-quality ingredients. One perfect way to find out is by checking if the products are made in cGMP/FDA approved or certified facilities and processes. There are other third-party certifications and seals for other essential matters about ingredients and components. Some of these are the Halal and Kosher certifications, the Ecocert, USDA, EU Organic, Naturland, and others.

In instances when you don’t have acquaintances that have tried the product before, you can check out websites like iherb.com or Amazon, as well as other online sites associated with health and wellness campaigns.

Research and studies have shown that spirulina could moderate immune function, advancing the allergic rhinitis symptoms via an unknown technique.

Clinical experiments have identified cholesterol- and glucose-lowering effects of spirulina.

Because it is densely packed with essential nutrients, spirulina is a high-value nutritional supplement. That is especially important in individuals who are HIV-positive and are malnourished at the same time.

A critical study has indicated that spirulina could be used to treat individuals with protracted arsenic poisoning caused by contaminated drinking water.

Spirulina holds immunity-enhancing effects, which can be useful in fighting cancers and viral infections. Moreover, spirulina may have direct antiviral activity.

There is no conclusive evidence that currently indicates the use of spirulina as individual therapy, or to replace conventional treatment for each of the indications mentioned earlier. We recommend consulting your doctor before altering your treatment program.

Effective spirulina supplements should be manufactured by respectable companies that rigorously abide by good manufacturing practices (GMP). They must be essentially free of microcystins and heavy metal contamination.

Furthermore, they should not contain any GMO or genetically modified organisms and should be free of allergens such as gluten, egg, lactose, soy, corn, etc.

The mode or form of dosage is also of import in selecting the best spirulina supplement for your needs. Most come either in pill/tablet/capsule or pure powder form. Whichever type you choose does not affect the potency or effectivity of the product in any way.

Price is also an indication of potency and effectiveness. Most of the spirulina brands have comparable price ranges, thus giving you a guide at a reasonable cost. Anything grossly too low or too expensive is suspect and should be considered with care before purchasing.

Other pluses would be certifications or seals of approval by reputable organizations within the health and wellness communities, quality circles, and standardization institutions. Examples of such are Halal, Kosher, Eurocert, USDA, among others.

Lastly, it wouldn’t hurt to check out the feedback from other users. You may have acquaintances that are familiar with some of the brands. Otherwise, hundreds of reviews, health and wellness websites and online shopping sites (like Amazon, iHerb, etc.) feature lots of user feedback. Most of these are excellent sources of information, not just for prospective buyers, but also for the manufacturers themselves as an alternative feedback system.

With all that in mind, you can now start your deliberation in choosing the best option that will suit your needs and preferences. For additional information to help you in your selection, please continue reading on the following sections on spirulina’s benefits, possible side effects, dosage recommendation, frequently-asked questions, and our final summary with suggestions.

Spirulina, cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, is popularly referred to as a “superfood.” It has become the theme of about a thousand highly acclaimed scientific papers, and a vast number of research findings. Some principal spirulina applications include:

Spirulina is a microorganism that is highly rich in nutrients. One tablespoon of pure spirulina powder contains typically 4 grams of protein, vast amounts of copper, magnesium, iron, vitamin B complex, and more. Spirulina is considered by many as the best nutritious food on earth gram-for-gram. Due to this, spirulina is mixed with several energy bars, health supplements, and superfood blends. In other words, spirulina functions as the best source of amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and various nutrients essential to the normal function of our bodies.

Spirulina is known to have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The foremost active complex in it is phycocyanin. Interestingly the very compound provides spirulina its distinctive hue. Phycocyanin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and also defends from oxidative damage triggered by radical elements. Oxidation-related stress can amplify the danger of several health issues, such as cancer, causing several experts to consider that antioxidants similar to those present in spirulina can aid in reducing the danger of cancer acquisition.

Spirulina, in many instances, is believed to possess a beneficial influence on cholesterol quantities, theoretically reducing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. It is also useful in increasing (HDL) “good” cholesterol levels while decreasing “bad” cholesterol. So, spirulina can aid in lowering a number of threat aspects for heart diseases and various severe health issues.

Spirulina was able to reveal some potential in averting the growth of cancer, mostly oral cancers. One research in India monitored a group of 87 people having pre-cancerous lesions inside their mouths. One year after continuous spirulina administration, 45% of the participants indicated full degeneration of cancerous-like lesions, as opposed to only 7% in the control population. Spirulina has presented substantial potential in dealing with oral cancers, although some scientists think it could have the capacity for a wide variety of cancers. Further research is necessary.

Certain pieces of evidence indicate that spirulina can aid in lowering blood pressure. That effect is due to spirulina’s influence on the production of nitric oxide, which assists blood vessels, causing them to relax and dilate. Additional research is required.

Spirulina can aid in boosting exercise endurance and performance. Oxidative harmful effects towards the muscles are brought about by exercise, thereby contributing to muscle weakness. The antioxidant activity of spirulina is believed to negate particular oxidative damage, enabling athletes to function longer without getting exhausted.

Many animal studies show spirulina being a promising instrument in managing glucose levels in blood and diabetes indications. Spirulina mostly beat prescription medications for diabetes in some instances. Clinical confirmations in the human trial are incomplete, but a minor study discovered a substantial drop  of blood sugar amounts in patients with diabetes (type-2). Further research is required.

Generally, spirulina is exceptionally nutritious and possesses a plethora of latent health advantages. It is a scarce food that is deserving of being called “superfood.” The amount of nutrient contained is sufficient to contemplate spirulina consumption, not to mention its potential for considerable health benefits.

In 2011, the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), through its Dietary Supplements Information Expert Committee (DSI-EC), appointed spirulina a ‘class A’ safety rating, signifying that the existing scientific evidence does not pose a severe health risk.

On its own, spirulina is mostly safe to consume and has no side effects. However, problems can occur if the spirulina gets contaminated with heavy metals and other toxic pollutants. Arsenic, mercury, or lead poisoning could come from inadvertently consuming contaminated spirulina. One other potential spirulina contaminant is microcystin, a toxin that can damage livers.

Most of the spirulina supplements suggest the avoidance of intake for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Also important is keeping the product away from children and minors. Of course, the best recommendation is to consult your doctor before consuming any of the supplement brands.

Spirulina supplements usually come in either dried powder form or capsules/tablets. Capsules are more expedient to take, but the powder can be mixed into bread, salads, smoothies, or used as seasonings in various foods. The option of form and method of consumption depends on personal choice, and whatever is utilized would yield the same results.

The typical spirulina dosage is from 2.8 to 3.0 grams per day. That’s about 5-6 tablets (500mg) or a teaspoon of powder a day. Of course, that is subject to the recommendation of a health specialist or a physician.

Spirulina is the popular name for two microorganism species: Arthrospira maxima and Arthrospira platensis. While it is often referred to as blue-green algae, the spirulina being used in several dietary supplements theoretically belongs to the group Cyanobacteria, a type of non-infectious bacteria that is named after its bluish hue.

Of the two spirulina species, the most commonly used in nutritional supplements is the spirulina platensis.

Spirulina is usually seen naturally propagating in tropical regions and by the lakes as biomass or microorganism. It is usually cultivated and utilized as a whole food by itself, or processed into powder as dietary supplements. The Aztecs were the first to utilize it as a customary food source. 

Spirulina contains substantial amounts of essential amino acids, vital fatty acids, glycolipids, minerals, polysaccharides, proteins, and vitamins.  Protein takes up nearly 70% of spirulina’s dry weight, which is about thrice as much as beef protein! Spirulina provides about 290 calories/100 grams of the “superfood” that it has been considered a strategic player in the discussion to focus on food scarcity and security concerns.

The most excellent spirulina supplements provide amino acids, iron (including other minerals), protein, vitamins, and beneficial lipids such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Some spirulina supplements are also reinforced with additional minerals and nutrients, augmenting the benefits of full dried spirulina or its extract.

Also, because of its exceptionally high nutritional value and straightforwardness of cultivation, NASA scientists have suggested that spirulina be grown and utilized as a food source by astronauts while on missions in space!

We have shown you the benefits of the spirulina “superfood” and its subsequent supplement derivatives. Due to the organism’s almost extraordinary nutritional value, hundreds of supplements are available in the market. And choosing the best option for your specific needs and requirements can be a challenge.

We hope that providing you with the proper guide indicating the features and particulars to be considered has helped you in searching for the optimal brand.

As a summary, we reiterate the need to check if the supplement brand you are considering has the necessary features, ingredients, certifications (USDA, non-GMO certs, Halal, Kosher, etc.). It must be manufactured in GMP-certified facilities and processes; it should be allergen-free (Gluten-free), and must not contain any heavy metals or contaminants. You should also verify its potency concerning the product’s value for your money.

Finally, we emphasize the importance of consulting with your doctor prior to consuming the available supplements, especially if you are pre-diagnosed with a medical condition. 

Good luck, and we hope you thoroughly enjoy the benefits of your choice of the best spirulina supplement!

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