Spirulina, yay or nay?: Hi, I´ve been reading the... - Thyroid UK

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Spirulina, yay or nay?

Kitten44 profile image
8 Replies

Hi, I´ve been reading the supposed benefits of spirulina for hair growth and against hair loss and I´d love to try it. But being derived from algae, I´m not too sure (in other words, it contains iodine).

Has anyone taken it? Good or bad effects?

Thanks!

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Kitten44 profile image
Kitten44
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helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator

The iodine content of spirulina is a confusion.

I suspect that confusion starts when people think of it being a form of seaweed.

If grown in low iodine nutrient solutions, it can be low iodine. However, if grown in a high iodine solution, it will end up containing more iodine.

I think that the major commercial spirulina plants would be careful to control the levels of numerous nutrients and unlikely to add iodine unless they see a specific reason. But there are some small-scale growers and I'd be less sure of them.

The supplier should provide information and, if they do not or will not, don't buy their product.

Lalatoot profile image
Lalatoot

"Those with the condition called phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid spirulina completely as it contains an amino acid called phenylalanine which they cannot metabolise, as should anyone with an autoimmune condition"I found this on a Google search......it is the autoimmune bit that might concern you.

google.com/amp/s/www.bbcgoo...

bagpuss61 profile image
bagpuss61

I take spirulina tablets every day, and it does me the world of good! Keeps my iron levels up and is full of goodness. I take it away from my thyroid meds to make sure it doesn't interfere with them.

medicalmedium.com/blog/heal...

jgelliss profile image
jgelliss

I agree. I took at one time Spiraling and I'm on thyroid meds. I did not feel good taking it.

Ellie-Louise profile image
Ellie-Louise

I tried the powder once in drinks, it tastes awful.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply toEllie-Louise

Yes - smell and taste are disgusting.

Ellie-Louise profile image
Ellie-Louise in reply tohelvella

It went into the compost bin, I decided that it would prob do the garden more good than me. 😆

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply toEllie-Louise

Spirulina, hay or ley?

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