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There is a lack of reliable information on safety in pregnancy or breast-feeding. Long-term use of
Spirulina supplements by the mother was found to be related to hypercalcaemia in a newborn
baby who developed generalised seizures.

Interactions:

There is a theoretical interaction between blue-green algae and immunosuppressant drugs due
to the immune-stimulating effects of the algae.

Safety: Blue-green algae products have been found to be contaminated with potent toxins

known as microcystins. Microcystins can cause hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity

Brown Algae

Brown algae are the largest, most complex type of marine algae and get their name from their
pigment called fucoxanthin.

Types of brown algae are: kelp (The largest and

one of the most well-known)

Fucus commonly known as "rock weed," or "wracks," (air bladders which help the algae to float
toward the ocean surface, allowing for maximum sunlight absorption).

Sargassum (stationary structure such as a rock or shell holdfast). It is used as food. Sarganine is
an antibacterial and antifungal extract.

***All brown algae contain alginic acid (alginate) in their cell walls, (which is extracted
commercially). This mucilaginous non sulphate polysaccharide is a major component of brown
algae, and is not found in land plants.

N.B. *Alginic acid and its sodium salt used in pharmaceutical preparations as a disintegrating
agent in tablet and binder, suspending, emulsifying, gelling, and stabilizing agent.

*Alginic acid create a foam barrier for coating the stomach. The combination of alginic acid,
aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium carbonate is used to treat symptoms of stomach ulcers,
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid indigestion (Gaviscon liquid).

Albinism acid

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