GummyTalk Forum

Hey everyone, I stumbled on this study (PMID 12345678) claiming spirulina powder boosts immunity by 40% in 6 weeks. The research was funded by a big supplement company though. What do you all think - solid science or biased marketing? I've been adding it to my morning smoothies for years but now I'm wondering...

Ellen, retired RN here. I looked up that study - sample size was only 60 people, and no placebo control group mentioned. That's a red flag. Big pharma OR big supplement companies funding research often cherry-pick results. I'd want to see independent replication before trusting those numbers. My advice: if it works for you personally, keep using it, but take that 40% claim with a grain of salt (or should I say, a pinch of powder!).

omg i add spirulina to my kids' oatmeal sometimes bc its supposed to be a superfood! but now im worried... do u think its safe for my 6yo? i dont want to be feeding him something just bc of hype. maybe i should switch to chlorella powder instead? also does anyone know if organic spirulina is better?

UGH this is why I'm skeptical of ANY powdered supplements. The production is so energy-intensive - drying, processing, packaging in plastic tubs that end up in landfills. And if it's funded by corps, it's definitely greenwashing. Have you considered just eating whole foods like spinach or kale? Lower carbon footprint, no shady studies needed. #resistsupplementculture

Thanks all! Liam - good point about the sample size, I missed that. Yara - my herbalism training says spirulina is generally safe for kids in small amounts, but maybe check with your pediatrician? Paula - I hear you on the packaging waste! I buy mine in compostable bags from a local supplier. Maybe the answer is: use it if it feels right for your body, but don't believe every flashy statistic. Back to my garden-grown greens too :)