Home > Supplements > Herbs & Botanicals
Top 5 Spirulina Supplements & Health Benefits
- Read Time: 6 Min.
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Spirulina is a nutrient-packed blue-green algae that’s been consumed for centuries, from ancient Aztec civilizations to modern wellness enthusiasts. Today, it’s commonly taken in capsule, tablet, or powder form as one of the most researched superfoods available. Thanks to its rich profile of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, spirulina supplements have become a popular choice for boosting immunity, improving energy, and supporting heart health.
But with so many brands on the market, choosing the right spirulina can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, we’ll first explore the health benefits, then highlight the top 5 spirulina supplements based on purity, manufacturer credibility, and third-party testing.
What Are Spirulina Supplements?
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae, scientifically known as Arthrospira platensis. It thrives in both fresh and saltwater environments and has been praised for its dense nutrient profile. When dried into powder, it becomes a concentrated source of plant-based protein and micronutrients, making spirulina one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet (NIH, 2010) [1].
Because of its versatility, spirulina can be consumed as:
- Powder: Easy to add to smoothies, juices, or energy bites
- Tablets/Capsules: Convenient for daily supplementation without the strong taste
Nutritional Highlights of Spirulina
A serving of spirulina (about 1 tablespoon or 7 grams) contains:
- 4 grams of complete protein – with all essential amino acids.
- Iron and magnesium – important for oxygen transport and energy production.
- B vitamins – particularly B1, B2, and B3, supporting metabolism.
- Copper – a trace mineral essential for enzyme function.
- Antioxidants – including phycocyanin, which gives spirulina its signature blue-green color and anti-inflammatory power.
Health Benefits of Spirulina Supplements
1. Powerful Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Phycocyanin, spirulina’s main antioxidant, helps fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. According to a 2016 study, spirulina may lower markers of oxidative damage [2].
2. Supports Heart Health
Studies suggest spirulina may help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol. It may help lower blood pressure due to its nitric oxide—boosting properties [3].
3. Boosts Immunity
Spirulina enhances the activity of natural killer cells and antibodies, which strengthens the body’s defenses against infections [4].
4. Aids in Blood Sugar Control
Preliminary studies show spirulina may help lower fasting blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, making it potentially useful for those at risk of type 2 diabetes [5].
5. May Improve Endurance and Energy
Some small trials have shown that spirulina supplements reduce fatigue and enhances exercise performance by increasing oxygen uptake [6].
Top 5 Spirulina Supplements
To help you find the best spirulina, we’ve selected brands based on third-party testing, purity, and ease of use.
More Articles
Juicing for Beginners: A Simple Guide
Processed Foods: Why They’re Harmful & Healthy Swaps
Top 5 Spirulina Supplements & Health Benefits
Anti-Inflammatory Diet Cookbooks: Our Top 5 Picks
NOW Foods Certified Organic Spirulina Tablets
Best For—Beginners who want an affordable, convenient option
Why We Like It: A trusted supplement manufacturer with rigorous third-party testing. Tablets provide convenience for those who dislike the taste of spirulina powder.
- Pros: USDA Organic, affordable, quality verified
- Cons: Tablets may require multiple servings daily
Nutrex Hawaii Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Powder
Best For—Smoothie lovers who prefer powder over tablets
Why We Like It: Grown in pristine Hawaiian waters, this spirulina is known for its high purity and nutrient retention.
- Pros: Non-GMO, third-party tested, eco-friendly cultivation
- Cons: Strong flavor that not everyone enjoys
Earthrise Spirulina Natural Tablets
Best For—Long-term users seeking a reputable, U.S.-grown brand
Why We Like It: One of the oldest and most respected spirulina brands in the U.S., Earthrise has decades of cultivation expertise.
- Pros: Non-GMO, California-grown, reliable quality
- Cons: Larger tablets may be harder to swallow
Micro Ingredients Organic Spirulina Powder
Best For—Cost-conscious buyers who still want organic, pure spirulina
Why We Like It: A budget-friendly powder option with no additives or fillers
- Pros: USDA Organic, versatile for smoothies or cooking, high customer ratings
- Cons: Strong algae taste; best for those used to spirulina
Triquetra Health Organic Spirulina Tablets
Best For—Consumers prioritizing maximum purity and certifications
Why We Like It: Certified organic by multiple organizations (USDA, Naturland, EcoCert) and third-party tested for heavy metals.
- Pros: High purity, multiple certifications, easy-to-take tablets
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than other brands
Conclusion
From supporting heart health and immunity to boosting energy and reducing inflammation, spirulina supplements pack a powerful nutritional punch. However, quality matters, since not all supplements are tested for purity or contamination.
If you’re ready to explore spirulina, the next step is to choose the brand that fits your lifestyle and preferences. To feel confident in your choice, check out our article “Understanding Supplement Labels: What You Should Know,” which will help you evaluate purity, testing, and label transparency before making a purchase.
Last Updated:
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making dietary changes.
Share This:
About the Author
Jalaine McCaskill, founder of Tweaksly, offers practical, research-based nutrition tips and reviews to make healthy eating simple and achievable.
Related Articles:
Garlic Supplements for Heart & Cholesterol Support
Herbal Remedies: Best Herbs, Benefits, and Natural Uses
References:
- Karkos, P. D., Leong, S. C., Karkos, C. D., Sivaji, N., & Assimakopoulos, D. A. (2011). Spirulina in clinical practice: evidence-based human applications. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2011, 531053. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nen058
- Wu, Q., Liu, L., Miron, A., Klímová, B., Wan, D., & Kuča, K. (2016). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: an overview.Archives of toxicology, 90(8), 1817–1840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5
- Shanely, R. A., Nieman, D. C., Perkins-Veazie, P., Henson, D. A., Meaney, M. P., Knab, A. M., & Cialdell-Kam, L. (2016). Comparison of Watermelon and Carbohydrate Beverage on Exercise-Induced Alterations in Systemic Inflammation, Immune Dysfunction, and Plasma Antioxidant Capacity. Nutrients, 8(8), 518. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8080518
- , P. e. (2025, August 19). Spirulina Maxima Extract Enhances Immune Function via NF-κB and MAPK Pathways and Ameliorates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression and Intestinal Damage in Mice. Journal of Functional Foods, 133, 106987. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2025.106987
- Hatami, E., Ghalishourani, S. S., Najafgholizadeh, A., Pourmasoumi, M., Hadi, A., Clark, C. C. T., Assaroudi, M., Salehi-Sahlabadi, A., Joukar, F., & Mansour-Ghanaei, F. (2021). The effect of spirulina on type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders, 20(1), 883–892. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-021-00760-z
- Gurney, T., & Spendiff, O. (2020). Spirulina supplementation improves oxygen uptake in arm cycling exercise. European journal of applied physiology, 120(12), 2657–2664. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04487-2