Blue Spirulina Powder: Benefits and Nutrients (2025)

Commonly referred to as a superfood, spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a type of cyanobacteria also known as blue-green algae. This type of algae gains nutrients from the sunlight and can grow in freshwater and saltwater.

Most spirulina has a blue-green color.

Blue spirulina generally refers to the phycocyanin pigment extracted from spirulina. Phycocyanin is the pigment that makes it look blue. Phycocyanin is also an antioxidant that has many potential health benefits.

Green spirulina has both chlorophyll and phycocyanin.

Blue spirulina is available as a dietary supplement as a:

It’s best to talk with a doctor before adding a new vitamin or supplement to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

Keep reading to learn about the health benefits of blue spirulina.

Blue spirulina may have benefits for heart and cardiovascular health.

A 2022 study in animals suggests it may prevent inflammation and heart damage by reducing cardiovascular enzymes associated with heart attacks.

An older 2013 study in animals fed a high cholesterol diet suggests phycocyanin supplementation may reduce:

Other research from 2023 points out the potential of phycocyanin to reduce atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries).

However, additional research is still necessary to determine blue spirulina’s effects on the human cardiovascular system.

Blue spirulina may also have a positive effect on brain health due to its antioxidant content.

Antioxidants have the potential to reduce oxidative stress, which is an imbalance of free radicals that can lead to cell damage. Oxidative stress in the brain can potentially lead to neurological disorders, such as:

Many factors, including aging and existing neurodegenerative disease, can negatively affect the brain’s ability to defend against oxidative stress.

A 2020 study in animals examined the effects of phycocyanin on cognitive dysfunction as an experimental model of Alzheimer’s disease. The results suggest blue spirulina may improve markers of cognitive dysfunction.

A 2022 review of research that looked at the effects of spirulina on brain health suggests the algae has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the brain.

The researchers note that spirulina may help reduce markers of brain inflammation. These effects may help regulate the activation of specific cells in the brain known as glial cells, which may help prevent or reduce the progression of neurodegenerative disease. However, the research looked at the effects of spirulina rather than only the blue pigment.

Additionally, much of this research involves studies in animals. More studies are necessary to better understand the effects of eating blue spirulina on the human brain.

Blue spirulina may support blood sugar regulation and systolic blood pressure.

A 2020 test tube study suggests it may have an antidiabetic effect, lowering blood sugar and inhibiting alpha-amylase and beta-glucosidase, which are enzymes involved in starch digestion.

A 2022 study in animals with diabetes induced by a high sugar and high fat diet suggests that phycocyanin consumption may reduce certain markers associated with diabetes, including:

While there isn’t yet research involving humans on the effects of blue spirulina, some human studies have examined the potential antidiabetic effect of the spirulina algae.

Two 2022 trials involving young adults without diabetes found that drinking 4 grams (g) to 8 g of spirulina algae dissolved in a glucose solution lowered blood sugar levels 120 minutes after consuming the beverage compared to a control.

A 2021 review of human trials suggests that spirulina algae, though not specifically blue spirulina, may help improve fasting blood glucose and blood lipid levels.

However, additional studies are necessary to determine the long-term benefits of blue spirulina supplementation as well as whether it is effective for people with type 2 diabetes.

Blue spirulina contains antioxidants, which may help support your body’s defenses and protect you from illness and disease.

Phycocyanin, the antioxidant responsible for blue spirulina’s color, may also have benefits for your immune health, according to a 2023 review of research. These may include:

It may also help reduce the growth of certain bacteria, including:

Much of the research on the benefits of phycocyanin and blue spirulina is based on test tube and animal studies. Additional studies are still needed to better understand phycocyanin’s effects on the human immune system and immune health.

Researchers are investigating the potential of blue spirulina to support exercise.

A 2024 study in animals suggests that phycocyanin may help reduce damage from oxidative stress relating to strenuous exercise. The researchers note that it may reduce fatigue and muscle damage.

However, additional research in humans is still needed.

Phycocyanin from spirulina may help reduce obesity. It may do this by:

Blue spirulina refers to the blue pigment phycocyanin extracted from spirulina algae.

It may support cardiovascular health, brain health, and weight loss. However, more research in humans is still necessary to better understand its effectiveness.

Blue spirulina powder can be used to make food and drinks blue by adding it to smoothies, protein shakes, baked goods, or even water. You can also take blue spirulina as a supplement in tablet or capsule form.