Spirulina
Herbal / Botanical
Cyanobacterium rich in protein, B vitamins, and phycocyanin.
Form: Tablet
Recommended intake: 1–3 g/day
Benefits
High-quality plant protein, modest cholesterol-lowering effect, antioxidant phycocyanin content.
Warnings
Risk of heavy metal contamination from poorly-controlled sources. B12 analogs are not bioactive — vegans still need true B12 supplementation.
Description
Spirulina (Arthrospira) provides ~60 % protein by weight and modest amounts of iron and B12 analogs. Used as a green superfood; quality varies by source.