SPIRULINA DOSAGE: HOW IT WORKS
The benefits of spirulina for the immune system and health-promoting effects are essentially dependent on the correct dosage. But how do you dose spirulina? Are there differences between the Spirulina powder dosage and the Spirulina tablet dosage? Are there special recommendations for Spirulina dosage for children? And what else should be considered when taking Spirulina?
We have compiled the most important information on spirulina dosage!
Recommended Spirulina Dosages
The general Spirulina daily dosage varies between 1 - 10 g per day, depending on the person as well as the purpose of the intake.
- Spirulina for beginners: approx. 3 - 5 g per day
- Spirulina for adults: approx. 6 - 10 g per day
- Spirulina for children: approx. 1 - 5 g per day
- Spirulina as a cure: up to 20 g per day
- Spirulina for competitive sports: up to 30 g per day (under medical supervision)
Recommended duration of Spirulina intake
On average, Spirulina is recommended to be taken for a minimum of 4 weeks to a maximum of 6 months at a time. The dose can vary and as a dietary supplement is usually 1 to 10 g a day, depending on the purpose.
It does not require large amounts to achieve the effects of spirulina algae. Already after a few days of taking 1 to 4 g, users report a positive spirulina effect. In addition, only the smallest necessary dose of spirulina should be used and only gradually increased if necessary, also to avoid possible spirulina side effects. If improvements already occur with small amounts, the dose does not need to be increased further.
Spirulina dosage by purpose:
- Dosage of spirulina for weight loss / diet.
As dietary support, you can take up to 10 g of spirulina powder (about two teaspoons) half an hour before meals. Due to the high nutrient content of the microalgae, a strong feeling of satiety occurs.
- Dosage of Spirulina algae for detoxification
For detoxification, the Spirulina powder dosage is about 5-10 g, taken in the morning on an empty stomach; at least six weeks as a daily cure.
- Dosage of Spirulina for strengthening the immune system
Here a rather low dose of Spirulina is recommended over a longer period of time, about 5 g Spirulina powder 1 - 2x daily, depending on requirements.
- Dosage of Spirulina as an anti-aging agent for skin, nails, hair
To support natural beauty, taking Spirulina capsules or Spirulina powder about 3 g up to 3x daily with meals is recommended. A mask made from the microalgae powder for face and hair is also considered an insider tip.
Spirulina intake: What else you need to consider
As already mentioned above, our organism first has to get used to the microalgae spirulina. In addition, everyone reacts differently to food supplements, and spirulina side effects are also possible. It is considered safe to take very small doses of spirulina at the beginning, about 1 g, which can be gradually increased (about every two days by another gram) to the recommended amounts. In this way, the body can slowly get used to the intake of the microalgae.
Some users may also have to get used to the taste of spirulina. As a microalgae obtained in lakes or aquacultures, the flavour of spirulina powder is often described as fishy and salty. The powder is also difficult to dissolve in water.
For this reason, users usually add the algae powder to other foods and dishes, e.g., juices, muesli, salads. It is also excellent as a seasoning for soups, rice, vegetable or pasta dishes, pesto and vegetable smoothies.
Depending on the purpose, spirulina is recommended to be taken with plenty of liquid and in the morning on an empty stomach or, depending on the purpose, up to 3 times a day in low doses.
Spirulina capsules or powder?
The microalgae are commercially available as spirulina capsules, spirulina powder.
Whichever type you choose has advantages and disadvantages. The spirulina tablet dosage is the easiest, as the dose per capsule is always the same and can therefore be taken easily, especially when travelling.
The amount of spirulina in capsules varies depending on the manufacturer. Raw Powders Spirulina contains 500 mg in one spirulina capsule. However, spirulina powder is better suited for individual dosage. With it, you can measure exactly, increase or reduce the dose according to your needs. Raw Powders contains one measuring spoon for spirulina powder dosage. 1.5 scoops are approx. 3000 mg of the microalgae.
As the taste of spirulina takes some getting used to, the powder should be stirred into smoothies or other dishes.
The dosage of pressed pellets is somewhat more difficult. Here it is important to follow the instructions of the respective supplier and manufacturer. In general, one pellet contains about 450-500 mg spirulina and depending on the purpose, you can take 3 to 5 pellets per day.
Where can you find Spirulina?
Spirulina is not yet very well known in Germany. So where can you find spirulina? You can get pressed pellets in organic shops and health food shops. The easiest way is to order spirulina on the internet.
Spirulina capsules in particular are rarely found in pharmacies and health food shops, but rather in special online food supplement stores.
Sources:
https://www.spirulina.info/einnahme-dosierung-und-anwendung.html
https://spirulina-kaufen.de/spirulina-einnahme-und-dosierung/
https://bgvv.de/nahrungsergaenzung/spirulina/dosierung/
https://akalfood.de/blog/post/spirulina-dosieren
https://www.praxisvita.de/steckbrief-spirulina-14929.html
Text author:
Kay Svegler
Communications, PR, American Studies, University of Leipzig
Journalist and freelance writer (e.g. Süddeutsche Zeitung, BILD, MDR etc.)
Former Senior PR Manager for Fischer Appelt, Sustainability and Diversity Manager for DKB