Spirulina is a naturally occurring microorganism commonly described as a blue-green algae and used in nutritional supplements and greens products.
Modern Canadian natural health products may identify Spirulina using species such as Limnospira platensis, while some product labels may use older naming conventions such as Spirulina platensis. Health Canada’s current Spirulina monograph recognizes several Limnospira species for use in natural health products.
At Village Vitamin Store, you can compare Spirulina powder, tablets, capsules and Spirulina with Chlorella formulas from established wellness brands. Village Vitamin Store
What Is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a microscopic photosynthetic organism that naturally contains protein, pigments and other nutrients.
Health Canada recognizes whole Spirulina preparations from species including Limnospira platensis, Limnospira maxima, Limnospira fusiformis and Limnospira indica.
Spirulina supplements may be available as dried powder, tablets, capsules or as an ingredient in multi-ingredient greens products.
How to Choose a Spirulina Supplement
Spirulina Powder
Spirulina powder can be mixed into smoothies, juice, water or other foods and beverages.
Powders can be convenient for shoppers who prefer flexible serving sizes or regularly use greens products in smoothies.
Spirulina Tablets
Spirulina tablets provide a convenient measured amount without requiring the powder to be mixed into a beverage.
Village Vitamin Store currently carries Spirulina tablet products in different strengths and serving sizes. Village Vitamin Store
Spirulina Capsules
Capsules provide another convenient way to take Spirulina and may contain Spirulina alone or combine it with ingredients such as Chlorella.
Serving Size
Spirulina products can vary considerably in the amount provided per tablet, capsule or scoop.
Compare the total Spirulina per recommended serving, rather than comparing the milligram amount of a single tablet alone.
Single Ingredient vs Greens Formula
Some products contain only Spirulina, while others combine it with Chlorella, cereal grasses, vegetables, fruits or other greens ingredients.
Check the complete ingredient panel to understand how much Spirulina the combination formula actually provides.
NPN
For Canadian natural health products, check the Natural Product Number for the exact medicinal ingredient, recommended use, serving directions and cautions.
Spirulina and Antioxidants
Health Canada’s current Spirulina monograph recognizes Spirulina as a source of antioxidants that can help protect cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
The exact authorized wording on an individual product depends on its formulation and NPN.
Is Spirulina a Source of Protein?
Spirulina naturally contains protein.
Health Canada permits certain Spirulina products to make protein-related claims when the product supplies the required amount of protein per daily serving. These can include being a source of protein for the maintenance of good health or providing protein that helps build and repair body tissues.
Not every Spirulina supplement necessarily provides enough protein per serving to make the same claim, so compare the individual product label.
Does Spirulina Contain Iron?
Spirulina naturally contains iron, but the amount varies between products and servings.
Health Canada permits iron-related claims when a Spirulina product supplies the required amount of iron, including use as a source of iron for maintaining good health and supporting normal red blood cell formation and function.
Check the product label to see whether a specific Spirulina supplement declares an iron amount.
Spirulina and Beta-Carotene
Spirulina can naturally provide beta-carotene, a provitamin A carotenoid.
Health Canada permits beta-carotene-related claims when a Spirulina product supplies the appropriate amount. These may include supporting eyesight, skin, membranes and immune function.
The beta-carotene amount should be confirmed on the individual product rather than assumed for every Spirulina supplement.
Does Spirulina Contain Vitamin B12?
Spirulina is sometimes promoted online as a plant-based source of vitamin B12, but this should be interpreted carefully.
Health Canada’s current Spirulina monograph specifically states that a “source of vitamin B12” claim is not acceptable, because most of the vitamin B12-like compounds from Spirulina are not considered bioactive vitamin B12.
People seeking vitamin B12 should choose a supplement that specifically provides an authorized form and amount of vitamin B12.
Spirulina vs Chlorella
Spirulina and Chlorella are both commonly found in greens supplements, but they are different organisms.
Spirulina commonly refers to Limnospira species and is naturally rich in pigments, protein and other nutrients.
Chlorella is a different type of green microalgae and may be sold separately or combined with Spirulina.
Village Vitamin Store carries products that combine Spirulina and Chlorella in the same formula. Village Vitamin Store
Neither should automatically be considered better; compare the ingredients, amounts and intended use of the individual product.
Spirulina Powder vs Tablets
Spirulina powder and tablets generally provide the same type of ingredient in different formats.
Spirulina powder is easy to add to smoothies and beverages and allows flexible serving amounts.
Spirulina tablets offer a convenient pre-measured format and avoid the distinctive taste of Spirulina powder.
The better option depends on your preferred format, serving size and product formulation.
Important Spirulina Safety Considerations
Health Canada’s current Spirulina monograph advises consulting a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Individual products may carry additional cautions based on their formulation or additional medicinal ingredients.
Always follow the directions and cautions on the specific product.
Shop Spirulina Online in Canada
Browse Spirulina products at Village Vitamin Store to compare organic Spirulina powder, tablets, capsules and Spirulina with Chlorella formulas.
Compare serving size, product format, declared nutrients, additional ingredients and NPN where applicable before choosing a product.
