Is spirulina safe during pregnancy?
Caleb Butler
Spirulina is a good dietary supplement during pregnancy.
Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing AroundWhat makes this plant good for pregnant ladies is that it has all the essential nutrients and vitamins needed by a growing baby. In fact, most people who consume spirulina during pregnancy notice some improvement in their immune system.
It also contains iron which is very important for the proper development of the brain and nervous system in the body of an unborn child. This is because iron helps develop red blood cells that carry oxygen from where it can be readily absorbed into the bloodstream in order to aid in the growth and development of every organ in a growing fetus’ body. It also boosts breast milk production among lactating mothers because iron helps in boosting lactation.
Another benefit of spirulina during pregnancy is that it can prevent morning sickness and nausea during early pregnancy. It also helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects during fetal development.
What makes spirulina unsafe in pregnancy is its ability to produce beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A which is important during growth but too high a dose can cause serious birth defects in babies whose mothers took excessive amounts of Spirulina during their pregnancy.
Another reason why spirulina might not be safe for pregnant women is that it has been shown to increase uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage even though this has never been confirmed by any medical research studies done on animals or humans.
High Vitamin B6 intake among pregnant ladies taking spirulina supplements leads to complications such as sensory disturbances, muscle weakness among other symptoms.
Drinking alcohol while taking spirulina extract during pregnancy should be avoided because it can lead to birth defects. The same goes for people who are allergic to fish as an excess amount of this vitamin A source could cause problems in affected individuals.
Women should also avoid taking spirulina if they have a thyroid condition or low levels of iodine in their bodies as the two do not go well together especially when taken during the early stages of pregnancy.