Research · Observational study
Spirulina and phenylketonuria: phenylalanine content analysis
Otto et al. · 2021 · Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
Key finding
Spirulina contains significant levels of phenylalanine — approximately 2.5–3.0 g per 100 g dry weight. This is relevant for people with phenylketonuria (PKU), for whom dietary phenylalanine must be strictly controlled. The study confirmed that spirulina supplementation is contraindicated in PKU at any meaningful dose.
Why this matters for consumers
PKU is rare but the contraindication is absolute. This study gives precise phenylalanine content data that allows people with PKU and their clinicians to calculate safe thresholds — and confirms that even small supplemental doses (1–2 g/day) would meaningfully elevate phenylalanine intake for this population.
Study limitations
Phenylalanine content varies slightly between production sources; values are averages.
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