Evidence supporting the use of: Spirulina
For the health condition: Convalescence

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Spirulina, a blue-green algae, has been traditionally used as a nutrient-rich food source but also has some scientific evidence supporting its use during convalescence—the period of recovery after illness or surgery. Spirulina is rich in protein, vitamins (such as B12), minerals (like iron), and antioxidants, making it attractive for supporting nutritional needs during recovery. Several small clinical studies and animal experiments have explored spirulina’s role in enhancing immune function, reducing inflammation, and improving overall vitality, which are important factors in convalescence.

For example, some studies have shown that spirulina supplementation can increase immune markers such as interferon-gamma and natural killer cell activity. Additionally, spirulina has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically help mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation often experienced during recovery. Its high protein content is beneficial in cases where patients struggle to maintain adequate nutrition, especially if appetite is low.

However, the direct scientific evidence for spirulina specifically accelerating or improving outcomes during convalescence in humans is limited. Most studies are small, preliminary, or conducted in animals. While the nutrient density of spirulina supports its use as a supplement in convalescence, robust clinical trials are lacking. Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary evidence, the overall scientific support is modest.

More about spirulina
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amino acids
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
beta-glucan
bilberry
black currant
bovine
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branched-chain amino acids
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caterpillar mushroom
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cordyceps
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garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
grape
green tea
iron
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
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L-glycine
Lactoferrin
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licorice root
liquid liver fractions
Milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pollen
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
reishi mushroom
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
Whey protein
Zinc
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
haliotis
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
fulvic acid
goji berry
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animal Tissue
antler
ambergris
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Albumin
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Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
animal protein
butter
blackthorn
Beef Protein
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bone marrow
bovine protein
bacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
bird\'s nest
Chinese mountain ant
coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
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Centella asiatica
chicken
dialyzable leukocyte extract
D-Ribose
Dipeptide
egg
elk antler
Euglena gracilis
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flat-stem milk-vetch
fat liver oil
fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
Gnaphalium
Glutamine
Glucan peptides
Growth factors
Globulins
Glutathione
hydroxymethylbutyrate
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
lactalbumin
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lipids
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