this youtube video doesn't seem very legit.
people have been consuming this stuff for hundreds/thousands of years.
Spirulina has one of the richest concentration of nutrients of any plant, herb or grain. It's also a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids and the protein in spirulina is superior to all standard plant proteins. Blue green algae was one of the first organisms on the planet
and it's fatty acid content closely mirrors the human brain. Some other points I think are worthy of mentioning...
** Spirulina contains high levels of carotenes (including beta carotene) and xanthophylls (including zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin). Carotenoids play an important role in humans by acting as biological antioxidants, protecting cells and tissues from the effects of free radicals
** Contains a plant protein called phycocyanin. This powerful blue protein pigmentfound only in spirulina forms soluble complexes with iron and other minerals to increase their bioavailability in the body. Phycocyanin is about 15% of the entire weight of spirulina and is thought to have developed around a billion years before chlorophyll. Phycocyanin has antioxidant activity and is a valuable immune supporting pigment
** It's an excellent source of iron and the reason why the iron in spirulina is so bioavailable is because the iron forms soluble complexes with Phycocyanin. This iron-phycocyanin complex allows easier absorption by the body. Iron and Vitamin B12 levels are dependant on one another, so if the diet is good then they this isn't something that you need to be overly concerned about
** Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an important Omega 6 fatty acid commonly found in flaxseed and Evening Primrose oil
Also has use for athletes due to spirulina's relationship with glycogen; the body’s principal source of both immediate and long term energy is glycogen which is stored in the muscles and liver and not ordinarily available directly through our diet. Glycogen forms an energy reserve that can be quickly mobilized to meet a sudden need for glucose (a fasted athlete training in the morning has enough glycogen supplies to fuel a 3hr workout). Spirulina is the only plant source of glycogen available (that I am aware of), and basically the more glycogen that's available during intense/sustained exercise then you should be optimising muscular functioning. You can use spirulina before training to concentrate the nutrients in the blood, making them available to the muscles when and where they are needed most. The daily RDI of iron for men is not much at all, varies from country to country but it usually falls somewhere between 3-10g.
I do agree that there are inferior spirulina products out there, but as consumers that's up to us to do the research and buy a product that is of high quality and standards. Buy organic, find one that has certification with the US Pharmacopeia and start off slowly with it rather than jumping in at the dosages they recommend on the bottle; personally I'd be starting with half of that amount for at least
the first 7-10 days, it's a new food for your body and you should allow for time to adjust to it.