Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a highly nutritious blue-green microalga that grows in fresh and marine waters worldwide [*].
Spirulina gained popularity since NASA successfully used it as a dietary supplement during space missions [*]. Its history as food also dates back to more than 400 years ago during the Aztec civilization [*].
It is rich in proteins (~60-70% by dry weight), as well as essential amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins [*].
Spirulina also contains bioactive compounds including phenolics, phycocyanins, and polysaccharides. These compounds have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune boosting properties [*].
It also contains functional peptides that have antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, antiallergic, and antihypertensive effects [*].
Spirulina may also help prevent metabolic syndromes such as excess body fat around the waist, and elevated blood pressure, blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. By managing metabolic syndromes, spirulina may decrease risk of cardiovascular disease [****].
There are also reports that mention spirulina’s potential in managing stress and anxiety [**]. Even more, spirulina supplementation may help with exercise performance, stamina, and recovery [**].
Despite spirulina’s many potential health benefits, there is potential risk of toxic contaminants [*]. When choosing a spirulina product, it is important to make sure that it is well tested, and preferably organic.
Spirulina dietary supplements may come in powder, tablets, or capsule form. These products claim to support cardiovascular, immune, and overall health.
The popularity of Spirulina has led to hundreds of brands flooding the marketplace; however not all supplements are created equal! Unfortunately, more than 90% of spirulina supplements in the market simply DON’T WORK!
We understand the challenges in finding the right supplement for your health needs. That’s why we gathered years of research and made this guide to help you find the top-rated formulas that work for you.
Things To Be Cautious About
Has your brand been third-party tested? You should never buy supplements that don’t have Certificate of Analysis. The studies should be conducted in labs that are not affiliated with the manufacturer. These labs verify the product for safety and potency.
Does your spirulina contain cheap synthetic fillers? Some brands add artificial fillers to cut cost to offer cheap products. Some of these cheap fillers we found were titanium dioxide and artificial coloring. You should never purchase cheap products when it comes to supplements.
No return policy or customer service – A reputable supplement company will offer 100% money-back guarantee policy and provide customer support through phone number and email. We noticed many formulas out there are just copies of the top-rated brands. They don’t offer an easy refund policy or don’t even have a phone number to prove they are real.
Top 5 Spirulina Supplements
The result: we reviewed over 100+ brands of Spirulina Supplements in the market and complied a list of top 5 formulas based on effectiveness, safety, pricing, return policy, and overall customer satisfaction.
1. Nature’s Way Spirulina
- Shipping & Return Policy 96%
- Customer Service 97%
- Essential Ingredients 95%
- Effectiveness 97%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
2. Now Spirulina
- Shipping & Return Policy 97%
- Customer Service 95%
- Essential Ingredients 94%
- Effectiveness 96%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
3. Healthy Origins Organic Spirulina
- Shipping & Return Policy 95%
- Customer Service 94%
- Essential Ingredients 97%
- Effectiveness 94%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
Ranking Factors
Shipping & Return Policy: we check the shipping and return policy of each recommended product to make sure these brands stand behind their products.
Customer Service: we contact the top rated brands through email, chat or phone to make sure they are responsive and can answer potential questions customers might have.
Essential Ingredients: we verify the ingredients in every top rated brands, their safety and dosage amount in comparison with the latest scientific studies.
Overall Effectiveness: we check with real customers through their reviews and testimonials to make sure the top brands are as effective as they claim to be. We recommend the top 5 formulas based on their average score.
We highly recommend our reader to do their own research, read real reviews and contact any brands directly to make sure they can provide the products and services based on their needs.
1. Nature’s Way Spirulina
- Shipping & Return Policy 96%
- Customer Service 97%
- Essential Ingredients 95%
- Effectiveness 97%
*This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our independent research and customer feedback. Results may vary based on individual.
Disclosure of Material Connection: we only recommend products and services which we believe will add value to the users. However, you should assume the owner of this website and/or blog has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection, to any suppliers of goods and services that may be discussed here and may be compensated for showing ads or recommending products or services or linking to the supplier’s website.
Sources and Citations
1. Spirulina in Clinical Practice… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136577/
2. Are There Any Beneficial Effects of Spirulina Supplementation… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7767256/
3. Antioxidant, Immunomodulating, and Microbial-Modulating Activities of the Sustainable and Ecofriendly Spirulina https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5274660/
4. Role of Spirulina in the Control of… https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12639401/
5. Therapeutic Effects of Spirulina platensis Against… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7090200/
6. The effects of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on… https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34107141/
7. Spirulina supplementation improves oxygen uptake… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7674321/
8. Are There Any Beneficial Effects of Spirulina Supplementation for… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7767256/