Published on 22 October 2024
EU4Algae serves as an information hub for the algae sector, delivering the latest news, events, and developments to stakeholders interested in advancing algae-based solutions.
Some people find eating algae a mystery, while for others, it’s an everyday routine. To serve as an overview of SpirulinaNord's recent consumer survey, we’re offering an outlook on the consumer survey results about the health benefits of eating fresh spirulina. Spirulina is a microscopic alga with high nutritional value, so it is often called a “superfood.”
The 152 respondents were anonymous SpirulinaNord SIA customers who filled out the survey online. The survey aimed to explore the health benefits people feel after using fresh spirulina products, as the results of many clinical trials show that spirulina has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulatory properties. We should note that most clinical studies explore the health benefits of dried spirulina, i.e., spirulina powders or tablets, using lab tests of blood, urine, etc. But what can people feel by themselves?
The survey showed that the top three motivations to use spirulina were to increase energy (80%), reduce tiredness (75%), and uptake of essential nutrients (55%). Women seem aware of iron deficiency, and 53% admit using spirulina for iron uptake. More than half (51%) of respondents' motivation was to improve metabolism. Other motivators included promoting brain activity (44%), increasing the functioning of the digestive system (39%), reducing cholesterol (29%), and faster recovery after illnesses, injuries, and operations (26%).
Spirulina for energy and mood enhancement
73% of tired respondents (who reported feeling tired in another question) noted an increase in energy. 48% indicated improved productivity, and 39% experienced a better mood. Thus, if you know a grumpy, cheerless friend or colleague, maybe fresh and delicious spirulina can cheer them up!
Spirulina for comfortable iron uptake
Almost half of women suffer from iron deficiency, leading to the question: Did spirulina help improve iron levels? Yes, it does for 40%. Clinical study review show that up to 60% of oral iron supplement users report gastrointestinal side effects. For many years, patient side effects have been the main concern with oral iron therapy, and recently, studies have consistently shown that soluble oral iron also negatively impacts the colonic microbiota, promoting potentially pathogenic bacteria at the expense of beneficial bacteria.
SpirulinaNord’s reviews indicate that using iron supplements combined with spirulina reduces stomach irritation, likely due to spirulina’s prebiotic and anti-inflammation effects. Additionally, 43% of respondents who reported stomach irritation, reflux, and other digestive issues before starting spirulina consumption admitted feeling much better after consuming spirulina in just a couple of weeks. Thus, spirulina could be a game-changer in iron deficiency therapy. The beginning is promising; however, more clinical studies are needed to substantiate this claim.
From other customer reviews, SpirulinaNord knows of two cases where severe arthritis (ages 35-45) was significantly reduced by using fresh spirulina regularly for at least 12 months. While SpirulinaNord hasn’t found any clinical studies on this topic, the number of clinical studies involving spirulina is increasing yearly. These studies inspired SpirulinaNord to develop spirulina cultivation technology in Nordic countries. Now, SpirulinaNord wants to inspire researchers to investigate spirulina for various diseases, especially autoimmune diseases, and for iron deficiency treatment in combination with iron supplements.
SpirulinaNord surveyed “Who and Why Eat(s) Fresh Spirulina” in May 2024. 72% of the survey was answered by people aged 18 and older (see age details in the diagram), with 93% being women. Most respondents (78%) use spirulina daily, almost daily, or seasonally. 13% have used it just once, and the rest occasionally. 82% say they will suggest SpirulinaNord products to others.
SpirulinaNord was founded in 2017 by a team of engineers. Their mission is to make tropical spirulina cultivation possible at an industrial scale in Nordic conditions, growing it in the cleanest system – closed indoor tanks. All SpirulinaNord products are based only on fresh spirulina, which they grow in Riga (Latvia).
It is important to note that spirulina is not a medicine. It is a microscopic alga – a natural product similar to vegetables. However, due to its high nutritional value, the daily dose is just 2 tablespoons or 22ml of SpirulinaNord spirulina-berry syrups. If you prefer spirulina in tablet form, the daily dose usually varies from 4 to 20 tablets (see manufacturer instructions).
Discover the delicious difference! Click below to watch SpirulinaNord’s video:
Why SpirulinaNord spirulina is much tastier than other spirulina in powder or tablet form? (youtube.com)
Additional information
Join the #EU4Algae conversation and keep an eye on the EU4Algae Forum to stay updated on ongoing activities, initiatives, and sector updates.
Got questions? Contact us at: contact
eu4algae [dot] eu (contact[at]eu4algae[dot]eu).