Spirulina vs. Blue-Green Algae: Key Differences & Origins

Spirulina is a form of blue-green algae from the Cyanobacteria family. Traditionally, blue-green algae are found in lakes in South and Central America and parts of Africa. Yet most of the spirulina you find in health food shops today is cultivated in man-made, artificially-controlled, plastic ponds.

Natural Blue-Green Algae

• Natural forms of blue-green algae also exist in the wild. Most often, they are marketed as "Blue-Green Algae," rather than "Spirulina," and come from Klamath Lake in Oregon.

High in Vitamins and Amino Acids

• Both the cultivated form and natural blue-green algae have similar nutritional properties and are high in essential and non-essential amino acids, beta-carotene, vitamin B-12, chlorophyll and trace minerals.

Weight Loss and Cholesterol Levels

• Cultivated spirulina is generally spray-dried and heat-treated, which may kill off some enzymes and decrease its beta-carotene content compared to naturally harvested blue-green algae. Both forms are marketed as a weight-loss aid and for controlling cholesterol levels, although there is little evidence to suggest it works.