December 1, 2017.
The National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) has just warned consumers against certain harmful effects of spirulina, an algae presented as a miracle product.
Adverse reactions reported
You should always be wary of these products which can both perk you up, make you lose weight and build you muscle. It has been a few years since the virtues of spirulina, an algae found in Africa, South Asia and Latin America, have been touted on forums or by certain naturopaths. Rich in protein, it is even distributed in developing countries to fight against child malnutrition.
But, what we did not know is that it would also have many side effects. This is what ANSES revealed in an opinion made public on November 30. 49 reports of adverse reactions (digestive disorders, allergy, muscular or hepatic damage …) have indeed led the health agency to conduct its investigation to assess the risks associated with the consumption of this algae.
Traces of lead, mercury and arsenic
In France, spirulina is consumed in the form of food supplements. She “ does not appear to present a health risk at low doses (up to several grams per day in adults) », Notes ANSES. ” However, products containing spirulina can be contaminated by cyanotoxins (mycrocystins in particular), bacteria or trace metal elements (lead, mercury, arsenic). “.
The agency does not advise consumers to give up spirulina but it asks the public authorities to be more attentive to supply circuits. On the other hand, it recommends to people who have an allergic ground, who suffer from muscular or hepatic weaknesses or from phenylketonuria (a rare and serious genetic disease) not to consume these food supplements.
Marine Rondot
Source: www.anses.fr
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