Abstract :
Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), belongs to a class of cyanobacteria. It is a free-floating filamentous microalgae and is also capable of photosynthesis. The nutritional content of Spirulina reveals high content of protein (60-70% by dry weight), vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) position paper describes Arthrospira platensis as follows: "An easily digestible high protein product with high levels of beta-carotene, vitamin B12, iron and trace minerals, and the rare essential fatty acid ?-linolenic acid also called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), or omega-6". Arthrospira platensis has been generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for human consumption. Human clinical studies and animal studies over the past several decades support such notion. Also, FDA had no question on the GRAS notice of Arthrospira platensis.
Keyword :
Arthrospira Platensis.