"The optimum dosage depends on several factors. Individuals should develop a personal dosage based on their levels of activity, weight and health. It is best to start with a minimum dosage and increase it according to your needs. An ideal dosage results in more energy and fewer cravings.

As a nutritional supplement, most people benefit from a 'standard' 10-gram dosage: one heaping teaspoon or powder twice a day. Double this amount is usually an effective upper dosage range for imbalances such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, and anemia. More than this however is not toxic. Athletes and others with large energy requirements sometimes take 20 grams two or three times a day.

Finding the best way to take spirulina so that the flavour and texture are acceptable is important. For some people, it takes a week or two to learn to appreciate the flavour. Micro-algae are hydrophilic (water-loving). To be digested the dehydrated and compressed tablets need to be broken down by chewing, and then reconstituted by drinking ample fluids afterwards. Those with an aversion to chewing up dry tablets can soak them in water an hour before ingestion, or use powders or granules mixed with liquids or moist foods.

The powder mixes easily with moist food or liquids (soups, sauces, dressings, water, juice, etc.). If no blender is available, a little lemon juice added to the powder makes mixing with liquid easier. Avoid putting a spoon containing spirulina into liquids – the powder will stick to the spoon. Simply add the powder slowly to the liquid while stirring."

Dosage options

• 1 rounded teaspoon = 3 grams = 3000 mg
• 1 heaping teaspoon = 5 grams = 5000 mg
• 1 rounded tablespoon = 10 grams = 10000 mg

Dosage advice taken from Healing with Wholefoods by Paul Pitchford (North Atlantic Books) pp 198, 199 on Green Food Products.

"Incorporating Spirulina in the diet, an intake per day of 10 grams per adult is widely recommended to maintain health. One has to find out for oneself when supporting treatment of serious disease how high one would like and/or can go in the daily intake of Spirulina."

Copyright © Harald W. Tietze, 'Spirulina; Micro Food, Macro Blessing'. www.wise-mens-web.com