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If you are thinking about taking a spirulina supplement, you will probably agree with this statement:
With all of the spirulina powders and protein brands on the market, it is hard to know how to select the best spirulina supplement brand and get the purest ingredients at a good price.
In pursuit of my own health goals, I felt overwhelmed by all the spirulina supplements out there and had trouble finding the right one for me. Through lots of my own research, I was able to figure out which spirulina supplement worked for me and I hope that the notes I have put together will do the same for you.
Best Spirulina Supplement Powders & Tablets – 2021
I’ve found spirulina supplements to be a major life enhancer and I hope this list of the top spirulina supplements out there helps you have the same experience.
1. Pure Organic Spirulina Powder – Editor’s Choice
A Sari Foods product, Pure Organic Spirulina Powder is a quality spirulina supplement sourced from soda lakes in desolate parts of Mongolia. Harvested without fertilizers or the use of contaminated water, Pure Organic Spirulina Powder is dried in such a way such that it does not require preservatives. To ensure purity in their spirulina product, Sari Foods submits it for independent testing.
Packed full of protein, vitamins and minerals, chlorophyll, phytonutrients and essential amino acids (GLA, Omega 3, 6 & 9s), this vegan product offers a potent macronutrient combination. Because of its reputed to help with pH balance, Pure Organic Spirulina Powder helps prevent oxidation in the body and protect cells from damage.
Blue-green in color from the chlorophyll, Pure Organic Spirulina Powder can improve energy levels and overall health. In particular, energy boosts from this spirulina powder tend to be smooth and long-lasting to the point where coffee addicts might even be able to cut back on their daily intake. Other benefits reported by longer term users include healthier skin and stronger, harder nails.
Pure Organic Spirulina Powder does have a strong smell which might be an issue for people with sensitive noses. One way around this is mixing it with something to neutralize the smell such as cacao powder. Ultimately, spirulina is “pond scum” and it will be hard to get around the fact that most quality spirulina supplements will taste like fish food. With the organic certification, Pure Organic Spirulina Powder is a good choice and value for anyone who wants a top organic spirulina supplement.
- No preservatives
- Reasonable price
- Smells and tastes bad to many people
2. Pure Hawaiian Spirulina
Pure Hawaiian Spirulina is a spirulina supplement tablet (there is also a powder form) that is produced by Nutrex Hawaii, a major spirulina company. Pure Hawaiian Spirulina is sourced from Kona Hawaii and is grown from fresh water drawn from natural aquifiers.
Pure Hawaiian Spirulina has been on the market for over nine years and is a non-GMO product produced in a cGMP facility. The company has stated that their spirulina supplement undergoes extensive testing and is free from heavy metals and microcystins. They also say that this spirulina is 100% organic and is free of tree nuts and peanuts. Packaged in a glass bottle, Pure Hawaiian Spirulina tablets are cold pressed.
Pure Hawaiian Spirulina supplements can be mixed into drinks such as shakes or smoothies or used as a supplement in other foods such as salads. People who use Pure Hawaiian Spirulina report that it helps improve energy levels in addition to providing the macronutrient support for the body as a whole.
Pure Hawaiian Spirulina does contain chicory and magnesium stearate which might be an issue for the spirulina purists out there. Also, people who have thyroid conditions should not take Pure Hawaiian Spirulina given that there are may be trace amounts of iodine present in it. The smell leaves something to be desired but it is hardly noticeable when mixed into other foods.
- Established company with good track record
- Produced in cGMP facility
- Should be avoided if a thyroid condition is present.
3. Organic Spirulina Powder – Most Certified Spirulina
Triquetra Health has put together a spirulina supplement that is not only a high quality spirulina supplement from a farm in South India but it also boasts an impressive list of certifications from reputable organizations. Built on the premise that independent validation is the major component to delivering a spirulina supplement inside and out, Organic Spirulina Powder is certified by the USDA, EcoCert certified organic, Naturland certified organic, Halal and USP. Focused on a vegan process, Organic Spirulina Powder is also tested by third-parties to be free of heavy metals, pesticides, binders and soy in addition to being non-GMO. Additionally, Organic Spirulina Powder is stated to be free of microcystin as verified by third-party testing.
Organic Spirulina Powder mixes well with foods and shakes and provides many with a noticeable energy boost. Unfortunately, there have been infrequent reports of stomach upset although we have not been aware of it happening personally.
- Lots of reputable certifications
- Organic and vegan
- Some reports of stomach upset.
4. SpiruZan Spirulina – Spirulina with Astaxanthin boost
Organic Spiruzan, an organic spirulina and astaxanthin supplement, is a quality spirulina supplement produced by Triquetra Health. Organic Spiruzan features USDA-certified organic spirulina and highlights another compound called astaxanthin. Organic SpiruZan is non-GMO and free of binders, solvents, soy and gluten. It is not irradiated during processing and is processed in a facility that is certified organic.
Organic SpiruZan is a spirulina supplement focused on its addition of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a compound known as a cartenoid that may have benefits with skin health, vision, and decreasing inflammation in the body. Astaxanthin may also be helpful with preventing sunburn (damage from UV light). Organic SpiruZan uses the Zanthin brand of astaxanthin which utilizes a carbon dioxide based extraction process to improve purity and efficacy of the final product. While smaller in amount than a pure astaxanthin supplement (around 500 mcg), it does provide the astaxanthin boost for anyone looking for a combination spirulina supplement.
Combined together, this spirulina and astaxanthin supplement offers a quality combination, providing over 100 micronutrients to help improve cellular health. According to the company, it is one of the only spirulina supplements that is USP verified and certified to meet California Proposition 65 standards in regards to heavy metal content. In addition to its USDA organic certification, the Organic SpiruZan supplement is also certified by OCIA Organic, Ecocert Organic, Naturland Organic & GRAS.
Infrequently, people did not notice much of an effect from Organic Spiruzan which is unfortunate given its slightly higher price point. Additionally, the spirulina for Organic Spiruzan obtained for this spirulina supplement is done through third-party that grows the spirulina in India and obtains the organic certifications.
- Contains astaxanthin.
- Organic and vegan.
- Limited effectiveness in some people.
5. Zhou Nutrition Spirulina – High-Quality US Spirulina Powder
For those of you who do not trust the certifications of spirulina sourced from Asia, take a look at this spirulina supplement as it is one of the best spirulina powder supplements on the market. Zhou Nutrition’s Spirulina supplement originates from a remote farm in Southeastern California and prides itself on being one of the highest quality domestic sources of spirulina supplement. Grown in a closed-loop system utilizing Colorado water rich in minerals mixed with giant paddlewheels, Zhou Nutrition’s Spirulina supplement is a high-quality, non-GMO spirulina supplement option. Free of pesticides and herbicides, Zhou Nutrition’s Spirulina supplement consists wholly of Arthrospira platensis and is also free of microcystins and irradiation and is kosher and Halal certified. Zhou Nutrition’s Spirulina undergoes third-party testing for which it has been highly rated in the past.
Zhou Nutrition’s Spirulina supplement has an interesting smell. Some might say it smells like fresh cut grass but it seems stronger and more fishy than a cleaner smelling tonic like wheat grass. The flavor might seem strong to people with sensitive palates but can be neutralized if it is mixed in with something like a smoothie. Many people note a major boost in energy and more stable moods while using this particular spirulina supplement. The recommended serving size of Zhou Nutrition’s Spirulina supplement is two servings per day.
Zhou Nutrition’s Spirulina supplement is not organic and the company states that this is by design. According to the company, producing organic spirulina in the US would increase the amount of bacteria harvested with the spirulina as organic fertilizers require bone, blood and fish meal. Also, Zhou Nutrition’s Spirulina does come packaged in plastic rather than glass. Some people might also note that it needs a bit of effort to mix well with liquids.
- Sourced in California using stringent standards.
- Customer service is reportedly attentive and reponsive.
- Not organic (by design according to the company).
Spirulina Supplements – An Overview
What is spirulina? Is it just some new health fad? Will it help me? Good questions. We hope this review of spirulina supplements will be valuable to you.
Spirulina is a type of supplement that is made from algae. Blue-green in color, spirulina supplements are made from two different types of algae – Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. Usually, when one thinks of a spirulina supplement, the origin is the organic matter of Arthrospira platensis. The algae typically grows in tropical lakes and is commercially produced worldwide.
More broadly, algae is a term as a broad categorization for different types of organisms that create chemical energy from light energy (typically from the sun) using a process known as photosynthesis. To do this, algae utilizes a special pigment known as chlorophyll which absorbs certain colors of light. Algae can describe organisms with only cell or large organisms with many cells.
Specifically, spirulina likes warm waters and high pH, or alkaline, environments containing bicarbonate. The algae takes sunlight and produces its own food, making it a dense source of energy and nutrients. In fact, spirulina is so efficient when considering how much it provides in the way of nutrition per weight that it has been often considered a possible source of nutrition for astronauts on long space trips. Spirulina is high in protein and contains all the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Spirulina powder typically provides approximately 3 calories per gram of weight and contains high amounts of iron, manganese, fatty acids and B vitamins (with the exception of vitamin B12).
Spirulina Supplements – Health Benefits
Unfortunately, spirulina has not been rigorously studied in the scientific community using randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trials. However, there are some promising studies to start looking at possible benefits of spirulina and point to areas of interest for research.
Lipid Profile Improvements
A study in rats found lipid-lowering effects of spirulina.
Liver Health
Heavy metals such as lead can cause toxicity in the body and damage to the liver. One study on rats found possible benefits relating to reducing liver stress and damage after lead exposure and toxicity.
Protein Intake
Spirulina is a rich source of protein. In areas where protein is not available in the diet, spirulina might be a useful nutritional supplement.
Gut Repair
Helpful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract are often wiped out based on the foods we eat or when we use antibiotics. Spirulina may stimulate the presence of “good” bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus in the gut.
Antimicrobial Properties
Spirulina might help with boosting the immune system. These benefits may be the result of increased antibody production.
Eye Health
Spirulina contains a nutrient called zeaxanthin that might help reduce the risk of eye problems as one gets older.
Candida Protection
While Candida is a normal part of the flora in our body, invasive candida, or candidiasis, is being increasingly recognized as a significant health issue. Early studies have shown that spirulina might be beneficial for fighting candidiasis in the body.
Cancer Prevention
In early studies, spirulina has shown a chemopreventative benefit in people with cancer.
Spirulina vs. Chlorella Supplements
What is the difference between spirulina and chlorella? For one, spirulina is molecularly larger than chlorella. Spirulina has more of a blue-green color whereas chlorella has more of a green color. Spirulina is much easier to digest than chlorella because chlorella has a much thicker cell wall. To learn more about chlorella, check out this best chlorella supplements guide.
Spirulina Supplement Safety
Pure spirulina supplements are generally safe for adults although they may interact when used at the same time as prescription medications. In the past, some spirulina supplements were found to have a contaminant known as a microcystin that can cause liver problems and cancer and speak to the importance of getting spirulina powders and tablets from a reputable source. Also, spirulina supplements that originate from contaminated water sources may contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic. People with a condition called phenylketonuria should also avoid taking spirulina.
Best Spirulina Supplement – Summary
I hope that found this review of the best spirulina supplements informative and helpful. If you do add spirulina supplements to your diet, please contact us if you would like to share any feedback on how a particular spirulina supplement brands worked for your needs.