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Spirulina as a food supplement
#14
This is an interesting thread which contains many useful contributions on the subject of Spirulina. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has singled out Spirulina as an interesting alternative and sustainable protein source with the growing world population. Given this type of endorsement and the growing popularity of this product as a food and nutritional supplement, it is more important than ever to identify any potential risks associated with Spirulina. In this regard, a recent case study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology is of interest. The case concerned a 17-year-old male, who developed anaphylaxis on first ingestion of a Spirulina tablet. A simple skin prick test with diluted Spirulina tablet was positive and further skin prick tests with separate ingredients from the relevant tablet ingredients (Spirulina platensis algae, silicon dioxide, inulin and magnesium stearate) identified the causative agent as Spirulina platensis algae, confirming the allergy was caused by Spirulina itelf and not by one of the additives in the tablet. The route of sensitisation was not identified; the patient suffers from allergic rhinitis and is sensitised to house dust mite, grass pollen and both dog and cat dander. Possibilities include cross-sensitisation from inhalation of cross-reactive algae, components of other foods or plants, or by algae components of house dust, but further studies are needed to verify possible causes of cross-sensitisation as these are not clear in the literature. The main point to note, however, is the need for awareness of the potential risk of Spirulina for severe allergic reaction. Allergenicity risk assessment should be carried out prior to even wider scale production and consumption of Spirulina, including importantly investigation of potential crossreactivity with other inhalant allergens and foods. This case report shows that diagnosis of Spirulina allergy is possible from a simple skin prick test with S. platensis dilutions or with diluted tablet.

Reference: LE TM, KNULST AC, RÖCKMANN H. Anaphylaxis to Spirulina confirmed by skin prick test with ingredients of Spirulina tablets. Food Chem Toxicol. (2014); doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2014.10.024.   [Epub ahead of print]
 
 
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Messages In This Thread
Spirulina as a food supplement - by Charles - 06-27-2010, 04:40 PM
RE: Spirulina as a food supplement - by Caldwell - 02-08-2012, 11:33 PM
RE: Spirulina as a food supplement - by tulip - 03-15-2012, 12:24 AM
RE: Spirulina as a food supplement - by michal123 - 05-09-2012, 07:16 PM
RE: Spirulina as a food supplement - by indi - 09-04-2012, 03:49 AM
RE: Spirulina as a food supplement - by Albert - 12-14-2012, 03:13 AM
RE: Spirulina as a food supplement - by lankshire - 02-28-2013, 07:55 PM
RE: Spirulina as a food supplement - by BlueLotus - 10-25-2013, 05:11 PM
RE: Spirulina as a food supplement - by debram - 08-29-2014, 03:42 AM
RE: Spirulina as a food supplement - by mtwalsh01 - 01-12-2015, 10:38 PM
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