Spirulina is a nutrient-dense algae whose best-supported benefit is improving blood fats; moderate evidence shows it lowers blood pressure and calms inflammation. Benefits are greatest in people with elevated cholesterol, blood pressure, or weight. The dominant concern is product contamination with toxins and heavy metals, so independent testing is decisive. Some inherited and autoimmune conditions, plus iron overload, warrant avoidance. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| LDL cholesterol | < 100 mg/dL | Primary lipid target spirulina may lower |
| Triglycerides | < 100 mg/dL | Blood fat spirulina consistently reduces |
| Blood pressure | < 120/80 mmHg | Tracks mild antihypertensive effect |
| Fasting blood glucose | 70–90 mg/dL | Detects modest glucose-lowering effect |
| HbA1c | < 5.4% | Longer-term blood-sugar control |
| C-reactive protein | < 1.0 mg/L | Reflects anti-inflammatory action |
| Ferritin / iron studies | Ferritin ~ 50–150 ng/mL | Guards against iron overload from spirulina's iron content |
| ALT / AST | ALT < 25 U/L (men) / < 20 U/L (women) | Screens for rare liver stress or contaminant effects |
| Uric acid | 3.5–6.0 mg/dL | Monitors purine load in gout-prone users |
Cadence: Baseline before starting; recheck at 8–12 weeks, then every 6–12 months; blood pressure and glucose at 2–4 weeks when combined with cardiometabolic medications.