6 Answers

You can ingest whatever you want too but heavy metals can cause a lot of problems!!  I'd research the company that produces the product.  I like homeopathic and herbal treatments but this is a big warning!

Research the company from the outside check with the nNSF to see if what they state is true.  Ask the NSF what the allowable amount of micrcoistins and heavy metals are allowable in these products..and check with other agencies that deal with food and drug safety.  

It could all be fine..a little research will let you know!

Sounds like a "use at your own risk" supplement. Up to you to take it if you want. 

Blue-green algae products that are free of contaminants, such as liver-damaging substances called microcystins, toxic metals, and harmful bacteria, are POSSIBLY SAFE for most people.

But blue-green algae products that are contaminated are LIKELY UNSAFE, especially for children. Children are more sensitive to contaminated blue-green algae products than adults.

Contaminated blue-green algae can cause liver damage, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, thirst, rapid heartbeat, shock, and death. Don’t use any blue-green algae product that hasn’t been tested and found free of mycrocystins and other contamination.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of blue-green algae during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pemphigus vulgaris (a skin condition), and others: Blue-green algae might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using blue-green algae.

Phenylketonuria: The spirulina species of blue-green algae contains the chemical phenylalanine. This might make phenylketonuria worse. Avoid Spirulina species blue-green algae products if you have phenylketonuria. 

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-923-BLUE-GREEN%20ALGAE.aspx?activeIngredientId=923&activeIngredientName=BLUE-GREEN%20ALGAE

Colleen

I'd say this is why she takes it, though as it states, there is no scientific proof that it does anything.

“Blue-green algae” describes a large and diverse group of simple, plant-like organisms found in salt water and some large fresh water lakes.

Blue-green algae products are used for many conditions, but so far, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to determine whether or not they are effective for any of them.

Blue-green algae are used as a source of dietary protein, B-vitamins, and iron. They are also used for weight loss, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), hayfever, diabetes, stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and other women’s health issues.

Some people use blue-green algae for treating precancerous growths inside the mouth, boosting the immune system, improving memory, increasing energy and metabolism, lowering cholesterol, preventing heart disease, healing wounds, and improving digestion and bowel health.

Blue-green algae are commonly found in tropical or subtropical waters that have a high-salt content, but some types grow in large fresh water lakes. The natural color of these algae can give bodies of water a dark-green appearance. The altitude, temperature, and sun exposure where the blue-green algae are grown dramatically influence the types and mix of blue-green algae in the water.

Some blue-green algae products are grown under controlled conditions. Others are grown in a natural setting, where they are more likely to be contaminated by bacteria, liver poisons (microcystins) produced by certain bacteria, and heavy metals. Choose only products that have been tested and found free of these contaminants.

You may have been told that blue-green algae are an excellent source of protein. But, in reality, blue-green algae is no better than meat or milk as a protein source and costs about 30 times as much per gram.

How does it work?
Blue-green algae have a high protein, iron, and other mineral content which is absorbed when taken orally. Blue-green algae are being researched for their potential effects on the immune system, swelling (inflammation), and viral infections.

is Blue-green algae safe for lyme patients?

thank you for your comment I went on this site and this is only a year old can you tell me why you take these and what are the benefits thank you.......SORRY JUST WENT ON THE SITE AND WE CANNOT GET ON THE SITE SO i HAVE EDITED SORRY ABOUT THAT

pythonlover

Mel this link is unavailable.

Warning! May 5, 1999

Toxins may be present in blue-green algae products.

OTTAWA - As a precaution, Health Canada is advising consumers that products containing blue-green algae may contain toxins harmful to the liver and, despite recent, unfounded reports that they can be used as a treatment for Attention DeficitDisorder (ADD), these products should not be given to children. Some species of blue-green algae naturally produce toxins known as microcystins. As aresult, these toxins may potentially be present as contaminants in products made from blue-green algae. With lower body weights, children are at greater risk of developing serious liver damage should the blue-green algae product be contaminated with microcystins.

In order to determine the extent of this potential problem, Health Canada, through the Office of Natural Health Products, Therapeutic Products Program, and the Food Directorate of the Health Protection Branch, is undertaking a survey of products containing blue-green algae to determine how many are on the market, in what forms they are sold, and the levels of microcystins they contain. This survey is expected to take several months to complete and will provide the additional information required to do a complete risk assessment for blue-green algae products.

There are many products containing blue-green algae sold in Canada, through both retail outlets and direct-sellers. Some of these products are sold in tablet, capsule, or powder forms as food supplements, often as a natural source of minerals. The blue-green algae used in these products may come from natural sources (lakes) or may be cultivated (controlled ponds).

A recent, independent sampling done by a researcher at the University of Alberta found several products containing natural sourced blue-green algae with microcystin levels which exceed those considered safe for daily consumption by both Health Canada and the World Health Organization.

Preliminary data from the Department's first round of testing to date has confirmed elevated microcystin levels in some natural-sourced products.

This preliminary work indicates that the potential for contamination may be greater for products made from blue green algae from natural lakes. More analysis is required to determine the full extent of the problem and what manufacturing processes could potentially reduce or eliminate the presence of microcystins.

Microcystins accumulate in the liver and can cause liver damage. Adverse symptoms from long-term use of these products (weeks to months) may not be obvious, but could range from a feeling of general malaise or gastro-intestinal discomfort, to jaundice. Children appear to be more sensitive to these toxic effects, which are more likely to present as acute gastro-intestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.).

what are you? a fish?

I sent a comment from my phone but I don't see it here so here I go again.  I take blue-green algae that I purchase from SimpleXity because of the way it makes me feel.  On the 3rd day of trying it I had the most amazing amount of energy & I continue to have energy, clarity in my mind and a feeling of happiness - and it's Legal!  I researched the issue of toxins in algae.  SimpleXity is certified by the NSF.  Their quality standards, research & harvesting techniques assure toxin-free products.  I wouldn't take it if it wan't safe.  My friends who have tried the products continue to purchase them and take them daily.  To each their own... but the way this makes me feel leads me to believe if everyone was taking this, the world would be a better place... my world is.