Spirulina and its Benefits

What is Spirulina?
Scientific name Spirulina Arthrospira, spirulina is like no other. It is currently
classified as a bacteria, although it occupies the space between the two kingdoms of
plant and bacteria. The cell wall of spirulina is not made of cellulose as in other
plants and algae, but rather complex sugars and proteins, which are easily digested.
Spirulina does however perform photosynthesis, and makes it that much harder to
classify in our current taxonomy system.

Spirulina Major, itis.gov

Spirulina is found naturally in volcanic lakes that are very alkaline and high
in mineral content. No other life can survive in the conditions that spirulina thrives
in, which makes harvesting minimally invasive. Due to the abundance of minerals in
the environment, spirulinas essential mineral content is second to none.
Why should I feed Spirulina?
I will first address the nutritional content of Spirulina, followed by how it
works in the body. Spirulina contains six major vitamins (I am excluding Vitamin
B12 because there is evidence to support that the bioavailability is lacking): A1, B1,
B2, B6, C, and E. It has a 62% amino acid content and eight essential amino acids
and as we all learned in school, amino acids are the building blocks of life. They
combine to form protein chains and are essential in the diet. Vitamin A1 aids in eye
and vision health, as well as epithelial (skin) cells. B1 (thiamine) is important to
keep the body functioning properly, specifically the nervous system, heart, and
muscles. It is also used to treat metabolic disorders. B2 (riboflavin) has similar
effect as B1, but also is important for red blood cell production and growth. It
converts food into useable energy for the body. B6 is responsible for making
neurotransmitters in the brain, and aids in brain development. C (Ascorbic acid) is
an antioxidant, and allows for the production of collagen. It is essential for the
healing of wounds and tissues. Vitamin E allows the body to process and use
Vitamin K, and supports immune health.

The mineral content of Spirulina is quite high, as mentioned earlier, they

thrive in waters that are fed with volcanic ash and minerals and run-off from rocky
areas that are highly alkaline. Spirulina contains but is not limited to Boron,
Calcium, Chloride, Chromium, Copper, Germanium, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium,
Manganese, Phosphorus, Selenium, Sodium, and Zinc. Due to the amount of
chlorophyll and carotenoids contained in Spirulina, it also enhances blue, green, red,
and orange pigments naturally for a more healthy and vibrant looking animal.
All of these compounds contained in Spirulina are organic compounds, which
are readily digestible and able to be absorbed by the body. Many commercial foods
are enhanced to include these compounds, but they are not organic and the body
does not recognize them, therefore it passes through the gut and excreted. All
aquarium organisms need Spirulina in their diet, even the carnivores, which can be
fed food that has been gut loaded with Spirulina or homemade foods mixed with
Spirulina.
Still need more convincing?
Here comes the interesting part of Spirulina. Its classification is very
important. As mentioned previously, it occupies the space between the kingdoms of
bacteria and plants because it has properties and functions of both. Its shape is of
bacteria, a spiral, and once ingested, the body recognizes it as a bacteria. An
immune response is triggered, and antibodies are produced. This is what gives
Spirulina its superiority over other immune boosting foods because not only does it
boost the immune system, it incites the body to produce pathogen fighting cells.
There are many ways to include Spirulina in your aquarium feed rotation;
some animals such as shrimp, catfish, and snails eat it readily in its raw powdered
form, others will need it mixed In with other foods, and carnivorous fish should be
fed gut-loaded feeders. Whatever your method, Spirulina will give you amazing
results of happier, healthier animals, and the satisfaction of doing right by them.
Written by Amber Sheriff
Ambers Berries and Buds
Facebook.com/berriesandbuds
berriesandbuds@gmail.com

References
http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=1054
http://fish-etc.com/knowledge/spirulina-why-you-should-feed-fish
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/SpirulinaAlgae.html