Build & Strengthen Your Immune System
Protect Yourself from Viral Infections Including Flu, Herpes, Measles, Mumps and HIV, Allergies Including Hayfever/Allergic Rhinitis, and Serious and Age-Related Diseases Including Cancer.
SPIRULINA BOOSTS IMMUNE FUNCTION & RESILIENCE
Spirulina is nature's most powerful immune system booster that balances your immune system for optimal resiliance and performance.
According to research (see below), daily spirulina treatment can help protect you from infectuous and viral diseases - including flu, herpes, measles, mumps, HsV-1, HIV-1 - and serious and age-related diseases including cancer.
Spirulina is effective against hayfever / allergic rhinitis and helps to protect athletes in training against training-induced ROS attack and immune system depletion.
USE FRESH NEVER DRIED SPIRULINA
Fresh spirulina - never heated, never dried - provides up to 8 times more nutrients and up to 20 times more antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, active enzymes, and immune-boosting bioactive molecules than found in dried spirulina powder or tablets.
Independent Research: Spirulina for Boosting the Immune System
In this research dried spirulina shows spectacular results in boosting the immune system.
Remember that fresh spirulina provides up to 20 times more immune-boosting substances than found in the dried spirulina powder or tablets used in these research studies.
Click on any research heading to see a summary + a link to the original research.
Research: How Spirulina Boosts the Human Immune System
This study identified the molecular mechanism whereby Spirulina boosts the human immune system by analysing blood cells of volunteers with pre and post oral administration of hot water extract of Spirulina.
NK functions represented by IFN gamma production and cytolysis were enhanced after administration of Spirulina in more than 50% of subjects.
IFN gamma was produced in an IL-12/IL-18-dependent fashion.
In vitro stimulation of blood cells with BCG cell wall skeleton (CWS) allowed more potent IL-12 p40 production in cells from volunteers given Spirulina than in cells without pre-exposure to Spirulina.
As BCG-CWS serves as a ligand for Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and 4 to raise the maturation stage of monocytes/macrophages,
Spirulina may be involved in the signaling responses through Toll in blood cells even when orally administered.
These observations indicated that in humans Spirulina acts directly on myeloid lineages and either directly or indirectly on NK cells.
See the research: International Journal of Immunopharmacology (PubMed)
Research: Spirulina Inhibits Influenza Virus Replication and Reduces Flu Mortality
Influenza is one of the most common human respiratory diseases and represents a serious public health concern.
However, the high mutability of influenza viruses has hampered vaccine development, and resistant strains to existing anti-viral drugs have also emerged.
Novel anti-influenza therapies are urgently needed - in this study, we describe the anti-viral properties of a Spirulina.
Anti-flu studies reveal that Spirulina inhibits viral plaque formation in a broad range of influenza viruses, including oseltamivir-resistant strains.
Spirulina was found to act at an early stage of infection to reduce virus yields in cells.
These results suggest that Spirulina might serve as a safe and effective therapeutic agent to manage influenza outbreaks.
See the research: Scientific Reports (PubMed) - 2016
Research: Spirulina Reduces Hay Fever / Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms with High Patient Satisfaction
Spirulina treatment for 6 months in adults with allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) significantly improved subjective symptoms.
Participants reported reduced frequency of nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and nasal itching and sneezing.
On a rating scale of 1 to 10, spirulina was rated on satisfaction at 7.21 and effectiveness at 7.44 while the placebo treatment was rated at 3.40 and 3.54 respectively.
Spirulina is clinically effective on allergic rhinitis when compared with placebo.
See the research: European Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Journal (PubMed)
Research: Spirulina Effective Treatment Against Hay Fever / Allergic Rhinitis
In this randomized double-blinded crossover study allergic individuals were treated daily with either a placebo or Spirulina for 12 weeks.
Researchers discovered that Spirulina significantly reduced interleukin 4 levels by 32%.
These results indicate that Spirulina can modulate the Th profile in patients with allergic rhinitis by suppressing the differentiation of Th2 cells mediated, in part, by inhibiting the production of IL-4.
This study demonstrates the protective effects of Spirulina towards allergic rhinitis.
See the research: Journal of Medicinal Food (PubMed)
Research: Spirulina Reduces Viral Load and Boosts CD-4 Counts in HIV-1 Patients without ARV Treatment
The purpose of this study was to discover the impact of spirulina treatment on ARV-naive HIV-positive patients.
The single-blind, randomized, multicenter study was conducted on 320 HIV-1 ARV-naïve participants over a period of 12 months.
A significant increase in CD4 count cells and significant decrease in viral load levels was found after 6 months of treatment in patients who received daily spirulina.
Hemoglobin level was also significantly higher in the spirulina group while the fasting blood glucose concentration decreased after 12 months compared to the control.
Researchers concluded that daily spirulina supplementation significantly boosted the immune system to increase the CD4 cells and reduce the viral load after 6 months.
See the research: Nutrition Journal (PubMed) - 2015
Research: Spirulina Boosts Immune Health in Elderly to Protect Health
78 individuals aged 60-87 years received either spirulina or a placebo for 4 months.
Spirulina supplementation resulted in a significant rise in plasma interleukin-2 concentration (interleukin-2 cytokine is an important signaling molecule in the immune system that regulates the activities of white blood cells (leukocytes, often lymphocytes) that are responsible for immunity).
The function of IL-2 is to stimulate the growth of helper, cytotoxic and regulatory T cells.
A significant increase in total antioxidant status was observed in the spirulina group.
This is significant because the healthy functioning of our immune system depends on healthy antioxidant levels.
See the research: Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism (PubMed)
Research: Spirulina Treatment Boosts Human Immune Cytokines by up to 13 Times
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of Spirulina.
The effects of Spirulina on the secretion of three cytokines from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were examined (cytokines stimulate the immune system to fight a foreign pathogen or attack tumors).
Spirulina doubled secretion of interleukin (IL)-1 beta - a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine that is crucial for defense responses to infection and injury.
Spirulina tripled the secretion of IL-4 (which plays an important role in regulating antibody production, blood cell formation, inflammation, and the development of effector T-cell responses.
IL-4 also boosts cognition, brain homeostasis, and is thought to slow inflammatory ageing effects and perhaps counter Alzheimer’s).
Spirulina multiplied secretion of interferon (IFN)-gamma by 13.6 times (this cytokine plays a critical role in orchestrating both innate and adaptive immune responses against viruses, bacteria, and tumors).
See the research: Journal of Medicinal Food
Research: Spirulina Proven Powerful Against HsV-1, Herpes, Mumps, Measles, Influenza A, and HiV-1 - 2021
Spirulina has proved particularly effective against enveloped viruses, including HsV-1, mumps virus, measles virus, human cytomegalovirus, influenza A virus and HiV-1.
It selectively inhibits the penetration of the viruses into the host cells and is more powerful than dextran sulphate.
Another study showed strong inhibition of human cytomegalovirus, HsV-1, HsV-6 and HiV-1.
Spirulina blocks the attachment and penetration of HsV-1 into mammalian epithelial cells with a potency at least comparable to that of acyclovir.
It also inhibited entry of Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus/HsV-8.
See the research: Journal of Marine Drugs 2021
Textbook: Increase of IgA Antibody Levels in Humans Customarily Ingesting Spirulina
Salivary glands play an essential role in innate and adaptive immunity and protection.
Various immune cells including immunoglobins like IgA can easily be measured.
This research investigated salivary IgA antibody levels in 134 patients from 20 to 62 years old.
Secretory-IgA antibody level in saliva from the group ingesting Spirulina continuously in men was significantly higher than that of the group ingesting SP discontinuously.
Total S-IgA level of the group ingesting SP for more than 1 year was significantly increased in comparison to the group ingesting SP for less than half a year.
Significant increases in S-IgA levels in the saliva of men and women who ingested Spirulina continuously and discontinuously correlated to total amount of Spirulina taken.
See the research: Spirulina in Human Nutrition and Health
Research: Spirulina Maintains Strong Immune Function in Athletes during Intense Training - 2022
Elite athletes normally experience a significant drop in immune function during intense training when preparing for tournaments.
Eight weeks of intense training significantly decreased leukocytes and the ratios of monocytes in athletes taking placebo.
Athletes taking spirulina did not experience this phenomenon, confirming that spirulina can inhibit the change in immune cells and strengthen the eosinophils and basophils.
Spirulina supplementation was beneficial to the stabilization of the ratio of leukocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils in elite university athletes.
Furthermore, spirulina has a positive effect on rapid-onset allergies and responses to parasites or pathogenic bacterium, aiding in the improvement of immune regulation.
See the research: Nutrients Journal 2022
Research: Spirulina Boosts Immune System in Cancer Patients during Chemotherapy - 2019
Chemotherapy dramatically weakens the immune function in patients with malignant tumors.
This research studied the effect on the immune system when combined with chemotherapy.
100 cancer patients receiving four cycles of chemotherapy were randomized into control or treatment groups.
The treated group consumed Spirulina for the first two cycles while the control group did not.
The extent of myelosuppression and immune function were assessed after each cycle of chemotherapy, and patients were monitored for myelosuppression-related adverse events throughout the study period.
The white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil (NEU) levels were similar in both groups at baseline but were higher in the spirulina treated group relative to controls after Cycle1 and Cycle2.
Patients in the treatment group had a significantly lower rate of severe myelosuppression.
After four cycles of chemotherapy, the IgM level and number of CD8+ T cells increased in the treatment group but decreased in the control group.
Spirulina reduces myelosuppression and improves immune function after chemotherapy in patients with malignant tumors.
See the research: Journal of Translational Cancer Research 2019
Research: Spirulina Confirmed as a Powerful Anti-Herpes and Anti-HIV Agent
A sulfated polysaccharide named calcium spirulan from Spirulina was studied as an antiviral agent.
The anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) activity of spirulina was compared with those of dextran sulfate (DS) as a reference treatment.
Anti-HIV-1 activities of these agents were measured by three different assays: viability of acutely infected CD4-positive cells, or a cytopathology assay; determination of HIV-1 p24 antigen released into culture supernatants; and inhibition of HIV-induced syncytium formation.
Anti-HSV-1 activity was assessed by plaque yield reduction.
In addition, their effects on the blood coagulation processes and stability in the blood were evaluated.
Research results indicate that spirulina is a potent antiviral agent against both HIV-1 and HSV-1.
Thus, spirulina can be a candidate agent for an anti-HIV therapeutic drug that might overcome the disadvantages observed in other sulfated polysaccharides.
See the research: Journal of AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses (PubMed)
This is a small selection of many independent research studies confirming spirulina benefits for boosting the human immune system to protect agains viral and infectuous disease and even cancer.
Dosage: Fresh Spirulina for Boosting the Immune System
Daily fresh spirulina strengthens your immune system to maintain optimal health.
Analysis of research shows that higher daily doses of spirulina over longer periods provide the best results.
As spirulina is a naturally grown functional food, there is no known dosage limit - In the United States 30-day fresh spirulina fasting at SP-15 to SP-30 daily dosage is popular for detox and health improvement.
Fresh Spirulina vs. Dried Spirulina Powder or Tablets
Fresh spirulina provides hundreds of beneficial compounds that are lost during the processing and storage of DRIED spirulina powder or tablets.
Fresh spirulina - never heated, never dried - provides up to 8 times more nutrients and 20 times more antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to maintain a strong immune system than spirulina powder or tablets.
Dosage Control: Spirulina Portions (SP)
We measure fresh spirulina in Spirulina Portions, written as SP-1 (single portion), SP-2 (Double portion), SP-3 (Triple portion).
SPRU Shots contain SP-1.5 (One and a half Portions), while frozen Stix are available in Sp-1, SP-2, and SP-3 strengths.
Almost any dose of fresh spirulina will provide more benefits than shown in most of the above research studies that have been conducted with dried spirulina.
Fresh Spirulina Dosage for Optimal Immune Function
Most people who consume SPRU for this purpose find that one to two portions (SP-1 to SP-2) daily provide excellent results for healthy adults and children.
People living active and/or stressed lives, or going through illness or especially active/stressful times, may wish to increase their daily dosage to SP-3 to SP-5. or may consider a fresh spirulina fast.
Almost any dose of fresh spirulina will provide more benefits than shown in most of the above research studies that have been conducted with dried spirulina.
Every body is different, so listen to your body, paying careful attention to how often you experience illness and the severity of the symptoms.
Visit our fresh spirulina dosage guide page to discover:
- How we measure fresh spirulina dosage
- A table with recommended doses
- SPRU products and their portion sizes
- Why you should stop your supplements
- How to get started with fresh spirulina
- Getting started with a fresh spirulina fast
- Can you take too much SPRU?
- When to vary your dosage
- Dosage for illness and speicla cases
- What times to SPRU
- Comparing fresh spirulina to supplements
- Comparing fresh to dried spirulina
Build & Strengthen Your Immune System