Spirulina: An Overview with Health Benefits and Side Effects

Abstract

Spirulina is symbiotic, multicellular, and filamentous blue-green microalgae with symbiotic bacteria that fix nitrogen from air, that can be consumed by humans and animals. It has three species are Arthrospira platensis, A. fusiformis, and A. maxima. Arthrospira is used as a dietary supplement, also used as a feed supplement in the aquaculture, aquarium, and poultry industries. It is visible by the arrangement of the multicellular cylindrical trichomes in an open left-hand helix along the entire length. The trichomes have a length of 50-500 μm and a width of 3-4 μm. The body surface of Spirulina is smooth and without covering, so it easily edible by simple enzymatic systems.