Evidence supporting the use of: Spirulina
For the body system: Muscles

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Synopsis

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

Spirulina is a blue-green algae often marketed as a superfood and used in dietary supplements. There is some scientific evidence suggesting potential benefits of spirulina for muscle health and exercise performance, but the evidence is limited and not robust. Small studies indicate that spirulina supplementation may help reduce exercise-induced oxidative damage and improve certain markers of muscle fatigue and endurance. For example, a 2010 study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that spirulina supplementation improved endurance performance and increased fat oxidation in trained athletes. Another study in European Journal of Applied Physiology (2016) suggested reduced muscle damage and improved antioxidant status after supplementation. These effects are generally attributed to spirulina’s high content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as its protein and amino acid content.

However, the number of well-designed clinical trials is small, sample sizes are limited, and the magnitude of benefit is often modest. Additionally, not all studies have found significant improvements in muscle strength or mass. While spirulina has a long history of use as a food source, its specific use for supporting the muscular system is grounded more in recent scientific inquiry than in traditional medicine. In summary, there is preliminary scientific evidence for spirulina’s benefits in supporting muscle health and recovery, but more rigorous studies are needed to confirm these effects and determine optimal dosages.

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