Skip to content
    Back to Database
    General Health IngredientsNatural

    Spirulina

    Also known as: Arthrospira, blue‑green algae

    Systematic reviews and meta‑analyses of randomized trials report small reductions in body weight and waist circumference with spirulina supplementation versus control. Network meta‑analyses also place spirulina among nutraceuticals associated with modest improvements in weight and lipid/glycaemic endpoints, while preclinical reviews describe antioxidant and antitoxic effects.

    Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 4 indexed studies

    Evidence Score
    63/100
    General nutritional supplementSupport for weight managementSupport for lipid and glycaemic measuresAdjunct in plant‑based dietary approaches
    Data Completeness4/4 · 100%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

    Set your location for accurate regulatory status

    Saved on this device — no sign-in needed.

    Sign in to add to stack

    Overview

    Spirulina (Arthrospira) is a blue‑green microalga used as a dietary supplement with antioxidant and nutrient content. Human trial syntheses report small favourable effects on body weight and some metabolic parameters, while preclinical data suggest broader antitoxic and antioxidant actions.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    Proposed mechanisms from the literature include antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory actions (attributed in part to phycocyanin and other bioactive pigments), modulation of lipid and glucose metabolism, and nutrient‑related effects; the exact mechanisms in humans remain incompletely characterised in the provided abstracts.

    Physiological Role

    Source of protein, pigments and micronutrients; potential antioxidant and metabolic modulatory effects in humans as suggested by clinical trial syntheses.

    Primary Pathways

    Antioxidant / reactive oxygen species modulationAnti‑inflammatory signallingLipid metabolism modulationGlycaemic regulation

    Performance / Health Relevance

    Not a classical ergogenic ingredient. Relevant to general health and metabolic endpoints such as modest weight reduction and improvements in lipid or glycaemic markers reported in aggregated clinical trials.

    Evidence Review

    Overall63/100
    Human Clinical56/100
    Meta-Analysis81/100
    Mechanistic60/100
    Real-World52/100
    Safety70/100

    Practical Use & Dosage

    Minimum Effective Dose
    Not established from the provided abstracts
    Optimal Range
    Not established from the provided abstracts
    Upper / Caution Level
    Not established from the provided abstracts
    Timing
    Varied across trials; not specified in provided abstracts
    Best Format
    Powder or tablet formulations are commonly used in trials (specific format not detailed in provided abstracts)
    Bioavailability
    Not detailed in the provided abstracts
    Absorption Considerations
    Not detailed in the provided abstracts

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Not reported in the provided abstracts; clinical trial syntheses did not highlight major adverse effects

    Contraindications

    • Not specified in the provided abstracts

    Drug Interactions

    • •Not specified in the provided abstracts

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Not specified in the provided abstracts

    Monitoring

    Clinical trial syntheses summarised efficacy and did not report systematic safety concerns in the provided abstracts; monitor standard clinical parameters if used for metabolic indications

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is Spirulina typically used or indicated?

    Spirulina is most commonly used for: General nutritional supplement, Support for weight management, Support for lipid and glycaemic measures, Adjunct in plant‑based dietary approaches. Source of protein, pigments and micronutrients; potential antioxidant and metabolic modulatory effects in humans as suggested by clinical trial syntheses.

    How does Spirulina work?

    Proposed mechanisms from the literature include antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory actions (attributed in part to phycocyanin and other bioactive pigments), modulation of lipid and glucose metabolism, and nutrient‑related effects; the exact mechanisms in humans remain incompletely characterised in the provided abstracts.

    What is the recommended dose of Spirulina?

    The optimal range is Not established from the provided abstracts. with a minimum effective dose of Not established from the provided abstracts. Best taken: Varied across trials; not specified in provided abstracts. Upper / caution level: Not established from the provided abstracts.

    What are the side effects of Spirulina?

    Reported side effects include: Not reported in the provided abstracts; clinical trial syntheses did not highlight major adverse effects. Monitoring: Clinical trial syntheses summarised efficacy and did not report systematic safety concerns in the provided abstracts; monitor standard clinical parameters if used for metabolic indications

    Does Spirulina interact with medications?

    Known or theoretical interactions: Not specified in the provided abstracts. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.

    Who should avoid Spirulina?

    Spirulina is generally not recommended for: Not specified in the provided abstracts; and Not specified in the provided abstracts.

    How strong is the evidence for Spirulina?

    Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 63/100), based on 4 indexed studies on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (4)

    Comparative effects of nutraceuticals on body weight in adults with overweight or obesity: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 111 randomized clinical trials.

    Systematic Review2023
    PubMed

    Network meta‑analysis of 111 randomized trials of nutraceuticals for weight loss in adults with overweight/obesity through November 2022.

    A network meta-analysis on the comparative effect of nutraceuticals on lipid profile in adults.

    RCT2022
    PubMed

    Network meta‑analysis comparing multiple nutraceuticals for effects on LDL‑C and other lipid measures up to February 2021.

    Spirulina supplementation and anthropometric indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials.

    Meta-Analysis2021
    PubMed

    Systematic review and meta‑analysis of controlled clinical trials up to November 2019 assessing spirulina and anthropometric indices.

    Systematic Review of the Effects of Plant-Based Foods on Metabolic Outcomes in Adults with MASLD and Comorbidities Such as Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type 2 Diabetes.

    Systematic Review2025
    PubMed

    Systematic review (2020–2025) of plant‑based foods in adults with MASLD and comorbidities; spirulina included among interventions studied.

    Related Ingredients

    Other top-rated ingredients in General Health Ingredients.

    Piperine

    82/100

    A piperidine alkaloid (C₁₇H₁₉NO₃) that inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2E1), P-glycoprotein efflux transporters, and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases while enhancing intestinal permeability, digestive enzyme secretion, and splanchnic blood flow — collectively producing dramatic improvements in nutrient bioavailability.

    CoQ10

    78/100

    Endogenous lipid-soluble ubiquinone/ubiquinol that shuttles electrons in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and acts as a membrane antioxidant.

    Beta-Glucan (Oat)

    77/100

    Multiple randomized trials and meta-analyses report that ≥3 g/day oat beta-glucan lowers LDL and total cholesterol modestly. Acute feeding trials pooled in meta-analysis show dose- and molecular-weight–dependent reductions in postprandial glucose and insulin responses.

    Research Overview

    Moderate Evidence
    4Total Studies
    1Human Trials
    1Meta-Analyses
    2025Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    0Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceGeneral Population
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)Yes

    Cite this ingredient

    One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.

    Stable URL

    https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/spirulina

    SuppIndex. (2026). Spirulina: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/spirulina

    Based on 4 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.

    Goal Ratings

    Fat Loss
    Metabolic Health
    General Health

    Stack Compatibility

    Often studied alongside dietary interventions; interaction data with specific pharmaceuticals not detailed in the provided abstracts

    Multivitamin/mineral preparationsPlant‑based diet interventionsOther nutraceuticals studied for metabolic health (e.g. berberine, green tea)