Spirulina Side Effects

Spirulina is a blue-green algae and is commonly used in food supplements. There are many benefits of spirulina and it contains almost 100 nutrients. The nutrients present in spirulina are enough to serve the nutrition requirement of our body. Spirulina has vegetable protein, five times higher than that found in meat. Being a rich source of vitamins and minerals, spirulina provides those nutrients that vegetarian diets lack. Spirulina is a nutritional supplement and is available in the market in the form of spirulina capsules, spirulina powder, spirulina tablets and flakes of spirulina. Also, there is a spirulina extract available which is usually included in food. Read more on health benefits of algae.

Who Needs Spirulina
Spirulina is an algae with many vitamins and minerals. But, who all can take spirulina, is an important point to be discussed before we move to the side effects of spirulina. Let us start with children who avoid eating fruits and vegetables. Intake of spirulina can complete their food intake. Also, teenagers who are in their growth period must take spirulina injections in order to have complete nourishment. Pregnancy is a phase in the life of a woman when she needs sufficient nutrition. Not to forget athletes, as they have to be keen about the nutrition. Lastly, vegetarians benefit the most from this spirulina food supplement.

Apart from all this, one thing to remember is that people with serious food allergies related to seafood, hyperthyroidism and people suffering form high fever must avoid taking spirulina supplement.

Spirulina Side Effects
Spirulina is a natural food supplement and there are no reported side effects of spirulina. Over dosage of spirulina does not cause any side effects. But there are some people who are allergic to spirulina itself, and that is where it makes the difference. However, there are certain reactions that are seen in people when they consume spirulina food supplement. Here are some of the spirulina side effects.

Fever
Fever is experienced by some people when they take spirulina as a food supplement. This is because, spirulina is a food supplement with almost 70 % proteins in it. The human body has to break down this protein and this process releases heat from the body. This heat causes fever in some of the people taking spirulina. Along with fever, there are some other signs like over excitement and inability to sleep. This is due to the heat that is generated during the process of breaking down the proteins. Excessive fats are burned in this process of digestion of proteins. This process of burning fats also produces heat.

Digestive problems
There are a lot of digestive problems that are experienced by the human body. Gases, acidity, hiccups, stomach ache, constipation and diarrhea are some of the side effects of taking this food supplement. However, these side effects are seen only if you are suffering from some gastric problem or excessive intestinal gas problem. Read more on cure for hiccups.

Rashes on skin
Rashes on the skin are due to the allergic reaction to spirulina. Read more on allergies.

Cold, Cough and Fever
Cough, cold and fever are experienced by people suffering from respiratory tract problems.

Other side effects
Spirulina is a natural food supplement and acts as a detoxifying agent for the body. It helps in cleansing colon. People who have weak kidneys may experience edema after taking this supplement. It is reported that if you have a healthy body, there may be no side effects of spirulina. Excessive thirst and constipation are the two common spirulina side effects. Even if it is safe for pregnant woman, it is advisable to consult a doctor before consuming it. Also, it is recommended to have a good quality spirulina to be on a safer side.

Spirulina is a blue green algae, that can become contaminated at times due to the toxic substances in the water where it is grown. It is very important that you buy spirulina from a reputed brand company to avoid any reactions and further complications. People with autoimmune diseases, breastfeeding and pregnant woman and people with a rare condition like inability to metabolize amino acids are advised to consult a physician before they opt for this food supplement. Read more on list of autoimmune diseases. This was all about spirulina side effects.