Spirulina smoothie

Spirulina is a green blue algae that is a superfood.  It is high in antioxidants, nutrients, and minerals.  It is a complete source of protein providing your body with all the amino acids your body needs.  Spirulina is growing in popularity as a supplement. The question for some parents though is spirulina safe for their children to add into their diet? 

Yes, spirulina is safe for your children.  The key is to make sure you get the right dosage to start.  The dosage needs to be less than an adult, and will usually be based on age and weight of the child.  Also it is important to make sure you get your spirulina from a good source.  Spirulina can become contaminated or have poor production quality which can lead to some significant symptoms.  

Health Benefits of Spirulina

Spirulina is a great benefit to add to your child’s diet.  It is a complete vegan source of protein.  Since kids don’t always finish their meals, spirulina can be a great way to finish a meal to make sure they get the right amount of protein their body needs.  Protein is the building blocks of the body. 

It also includes complex B vitamins, vitamin A, iron vitamin C, potassium and calcium.  With all these nutrients and minerals spirulina will boost your child’s overall health, growth, and boost immunity.  The boost in the immunity system that spirulina can give your child can help them fight off illness.  If your child has an autoimmune disease you should not take spirulina.  Or if your child takes immunosuppressant drugs. 

The high antioxidant content can also protect cell damage.  The antioxidants in spirulina can also help with inflammation in the body.  Spirulina can help fight against allergy symptoms by stopping the release of histamines, helping with runny nose, watery eyes, hives, and soft-tissue swelling.  

It is also a good source of probiotics.  This source of good bacteria can help with stomach infections and diarrhea. 

Spirulina contains a fatty acid called Gamma Linolenic Acid, which is helpful in balancing the hormonal systems.  

Iron deficiency is popular in children and adults, spirulina is high in iron content, one daily dose can reach the daily requirement of iron for children. 

The daily requirement for calcium can also be met with a dose of spirulina, children need daily calcium to help grow their bones.  By age of 12 only 1 in 10 girls, and 1 in 3 boys get adequate calcium. 

Spirulina can also help you reach your child’s daily dose of potassium and magnesium.  

 

Side Effects To Watch For

Children can be allergic to spirulina so you will want to be careful and watch for signs of a reaction the first few times you give your child spirulina.  It is rare for severe reactions to occur, but skin rashes and discomfort can happen. 

Some children may also experience stomach upset or diarrhea. 

Spirulina that has become contaminated or was poorly produced can cause side effects.  Side effects can include stomach problems, insomnia, muscle weakness, liver damage, thirst, and heart palpitations. 

Spirulina can contain heavy metals and cause cyanobacteria.  Cyanobacteria can cause fatigue, dermatitis, nausea, dizziness, and headaches.  

 

Takeaway

Spirulina is a great source of nutrients and minerals for your child.  Finding what dose is best for your child will be based on weight and age.  Speaking with your child’s primary care provider may be a good start, to also make sure your child doesn’t have a risk of being allergic to spirulina.  Spirulina can give your child their daily dose of calcium, iron, as well as give them a great amount of potassium, and magnesium that is sometimes lacking in children’s diet.  Spirulina is a great way to help boost your child’s immunity to keep the common cold and flu at bay.  

 

 

Spirulina can also help you reach your child’s daily dose of potassium and magnesium. 


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