Please try again. A: Many experts recommend refrigerating spirulina to so prevent amino acids contained in the algae from losing their properties. There is a pubmed study that was done in China, that stated the beta carotene started lowering after 75 days if not refrigerated.
Spirulina is a microscopic blue-green algae that is part of the cyanobacteria family. It gets its name from its spiral shaped cells that contain a remarkable concentration protein, vitamins and minerals. Unlike many other algae that are difficult to digest, Spirulina has very thin cell walls making the nutrition contained very accessible for the human digestive system.
You are the judge of what you eat, and Spirulina is a food, not a medicine, so eating too much will only make you full. We recommend that a newcomer to Spirulina experiment consuming 15-50 grams of Spirulina per portion. After observing reactions and energy levels you may consume as much or little as your body tells you it needs.
There is an ongoing debate within the scientific community whether humans can absorb the vitamin B12 found in Spirulina. According to a Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) publication titled A review on culture, production and use of Spirulina as food for humans and feed for domestic animals and fish humans do benefit from the B12 found in Spirulina. However certain scientists and government organizations, including the United States Department of Agriculture, argue that the B12 is inactive and therefore unusable by humans. Either way, B12 is only one of the many nutritional benefits present, and the possible lack of efficient absorption won’t harm you in any way.
Some inhabitants surrounding Lake Chad, where Spirulina grows naturally, have been reported to have survived times of famine on diets consisting purely of Spirulina. Some sources advocate replacing a single meal with Spirulina but no one recommends a diet consisting entirely of Spirulina. Doctors and nutritionists recommend a daily consumption of between 5 and 40 grams of fresh Spirulina to support an otherwise healthy diet. Larger serving sizes can certainly be eaten to increase protein and nutrient intake.
Many users report appetite suppression after consumption of Spirulina. Though Spirulina is not an appetite suppressant in the same way as caffeine or stimulants, its nutrition and protein is absorbed so quickly and efficiently into your system that it is very common to feel full. Though it is not recommended to skip meals, many users report that a healthy serving of Spirulina in the morning gets them through to dinner without the need for lunch.
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Dr. Joe Schwarcz: The truth about spirulina
FAQ
What happens if you don’t refrigerate spirulina?
Is it OK to take expired spirulina?
How long does spirulina powder last once opened?
How do you know if spirulina is contaminated?