Does Spirulina Detox Heavy Metals? (Mold Toxin Symptoms)

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Can Spirulina Detox Heavy Metals?

Spirulina can help you “detox” (remove) heavy metals accumulated in your body (such as Arsenic) and is used for “detoxification”. A study shows that 250 mg Spirulina extract plus 2 mg zinc taken twice daily for 16 weeks removed 47.1% arsenic from scalp hair and caused an increase in urinary excretion of arsenic (138 microg/l).

In the video below, Dr. Josh Axe shares the Health Benefits of Spirulina:


What are the Symptoms of a Spirulina Detox?

The symptoms of a Spirulina detox include:

  • Increased activity of the immune system
  • Slight fever
  • Rashes, skin itching, and breakouts
  • Drowsiness
  • Bloating and green-colored stool

Spirulina is known for its ability to detoxify the body by absorbing toxic heavy metals.


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Does Spirulina contain any Toxin?

Spirulina, similar to other blue-green algae, may contain a toxin called microcystin, and other heavy metals from its water environment. Consuming large doses of heavy metals may result in unwanted adverse effects. 

A study conducted to test the safety of spirulina identified and quantified the heavy metals in 25 marketed Spirulina food samples. Results showed that the contents of Ni, Zn, Hg, Pt, Mg, and Mn in the entire Spirulina food samples were all within the daily intake levels. 

But because spirulina grows in natural waters, it is hard to adhere to quality control methods. This makes room for contamination with toxins. These toxins are toxic to the liver and can cause liver deterioration. For instance, lead exposure through contaminated water can cause spirulina to have toxic effects on different body systems, including the liver and nervous system.


Can Spirulina be used as a Detox agent for Mold spores?

Due to its chemical composition, Spirulina can be used as a detox agent for mold spores. Studies show that it has the ability to inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and molds.

Mold is a fungus that starts life as a single spore. Mold spores are only visible under a microscope or heavy-duty magnifying glass as they are very small and invisible to the naked eye. Avoiding them is impossible because they’re everywhere, floating through the air and landing in random locations. Mold spores are inhaled by us all the time, so it is good to have a detox every now and then using spirulina.


How long does it take to Detox Heavy Metals from the Body?

It takes around 2 months to detox excess heavy metals from the body. Small doses of heavy metals such as zinc and iron are vital for health, but excessive amounts of heavy metals can be toxic. Research shows that heavy metal poisoning is a common health problem due to the bulk of agricultural, industrial, and sewage waste around us.

A heavy metal detox can be achieved through particular agents in foods and medicines that can attach to heavy metals and can carry them out of the body. These substances are known as chelators, and this process is known as chelation. 

Cilantro is a common chelator and can cause a heavy metal detox in under 45 days.

However, unsupervised chelation is dangerous and, in some cases, even fatal. It is always best to contact a medical professional before attempting anything.


Chlorella or Spirulina, which is better for Heavy Metal Detox?

Between Spirulina and Chlorella, chlorella is the better option for a heavy metal detox and an overall dense nutritional support. According to research, chlorella incorporates more chlorophyll, vitamins, and micronutrients, plus it offers the unique benefits of the Chlorella Growth Factor without the potential risk of toxins that spirulina carries.

However, spirulina has higher levels of copper. If you suffer from a copper deficiency, this might be one reason to take spirulina over chlorella. Moreover, spirulina is often combined with chlorella in detoxifying supplements as these two agents best complement each other.


Is there any form of Spirulina that is without Heavy Metals?

There is no form of spirulina that is without heavy metals. But as studies show, spirulina contains heavy metals in safe amounts. Further research has shown its ability to alleviate experimental heavy-metal toxicity mainly because of its intrinsic antioxidant activity. 

However, spirulina can be dangerous when consumed in large amounts, so only use it after consulting a medical professional. It is also advised to buy spirulina supplements from respected brands that source quality spirulina.


What is the recommended dosage of Spirulina for Detox?

The recommended spirulina dosage for heavy metal detox is about 20 – 30 grams daily. It is best to start with as little as 500 mg daily and work up as needed to allow your body to adjust. After detox, you can taper down to a maintenance dosage of 3 – 6 grams daily. 


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Sources

This article makes use of information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

  1. Misbahuddin M, Islam AZ, Khandker S, Ifthaker-Al-Mahmud, Islam N, Anjumanara. Efficacy of spirulina extract plus zinc in patients of chronic arsenic poisoning: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2006;44(2):135-141. doi:10.1080/15563650500514400
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  4. Al-Dhabi NA. Heavy metal analysis in commercial Spirulina products for human consumption. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2013 Oct;20(4):383-8. doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2013.04.006. PMID: 24235875; PMCID: PMC3824145.
  5. Bito T, Okumura E, Fujishima M, Watanabe F. Potential of Chlorella as a Dietary Supplement to Promote Human Health. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 20;12(9):2524. doi: 10.3390/nu12092524. PMID: 32825362; PMCID: PMC7551956.
  6. Bhattacharya S. The Role of Spirulina (Arthrospira) in the Mitigation of Heavy-Metal Toxicity: An Appraisal. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2020;39(2):149-157. doi: 10.1615/JEnvironPatholToxicolOncol.2020034375. PMID: 32749124.
Does Spirulina Detox Heavy Metals? (Mold Toxin Symptoms)
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