What’s the deal with blue Spirulina in drinks?

Ever been tempted by an electric blue drink, especially one with a promise of health-boosting properties?

Wellness websites, magazines and social media accounts have been promoting the inclusion of blue-green algae in drinks, not only because it makes them look pretty but because they claim it can do us good.

While blue-green algae describes a diverse group of plant-like organisms that grow in salt water, it is particularly Spirulina that is used in drinks for its supposed health benefits. Manufacturers and health gurus have been using Spirulina in beverages, giving them an attractive blue-green colour, as a source of protein, iron and vitamins. It is said to help with conditions such as diabetes, anxiety, depression and premenstrual syndrome, as well as boost the immune system and digestion, improve memory, fight the effects of ageing, and increase energy (i.e. the usual things that wellness drinks claim to help with). Interestingly, Spirulina and other microalgae are part of a rapidly expanding market into exploiting new and sustainable food crops, for animals and humans, at a time of population expansion and limited arable land and fresh water sources. Microalgae are considered a promising source of nutrition found to contain beneficial properties for health but how digestible and bioavailable the nutrients actually are in humans is as yet unconfirmed.

Although microalgae has promise as a nutrient in the future, the amount you might get in a wellness drink is pretty small and wouldn’t add significantly to your intake of protein or vitamins. Unsurprisingly, as blue-green algae drinks are a fairly new addition to the wellness market, there haven’t been any studies investigating whether they do in fact have any significant health benefits whatsoever. The feeling by some nutritionists is that although microalgae do contain a lot of nutrients, they don’t really provide enough of them in each serving you’re likely to encounter plus they are expensive in how they’re currently offered, in comparison with other sources of protein, iron and vitamins.

So, what’s the bottom line? The addition of Spirulina to drinks is currently a gimmick designed to part you with your cash. There’s no good proof that it’s doing anything for your health. If the look of it appeals to you then that’s fine but you’ll be paying extra for the novelty.