Algae for HIV: Blue, Green or Red?

by Sharon Ann Meyer

Algae are primitive organisms that contain chlorophyll and carry on photosynthesis but lack true roots, stems, and leaves. Blue green algae (BGA) is commonly referred to as cyanobacteria. Proponents of algae supplementation say it has the ability to prevent disease, enhance, and prolong life. Some users believe algae strengthens the immune system.

The color of algae is related to the spectrum of light available to the plants for photosynthesis. The BGA and green algae include most of the freshwater forms, like pond scum, which is a green slime found in stagnant water. Red marine algae, referred to as 'superfood', is noted to be a source of nutrients and botanically based medicines.

It's said that each algae's variety exhibits a distinct nutrient profile. Many people believe seaweed is useful for lowering blood levels of fat and cholesterol. Seaweed has been used in food processing and as a food staple for decades. Commercial agar is obtained from a red alga.

Algae proponents claim a compound found in BGE has anti- HIV activity. It's not known whether this activity would be available from oral consumption of the algae. Investigators Robinson, Montefiori and Mitchell found Ptilota plumosa (red marine algae) failed to alter the infectibility of HIV.

Spirulina is marketed for weight loss, diabetes, hypoglycemia, degenerative conditions, malnutrition, and alcoholism. Wild BGA is said to treat addictions. Red algae is marketed to treat candida, herpes simplex virus and other chronic ailments. Researchers report sea algae extract selectively inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) and replication in the test tube.

Red Marine Algae (RMA) purportedly supports the immune system to fight viruses. Investigations found 10 members of Rhodophyta contained substances that caused greater than a 2 log reduction in the infectivity of herpes simplex virus.

Dumontiaceae is marketed as an immuno-modulatory and antiviral agent. Algae proponents stress that individuals with chronic conditions will gain more value from the red marine algae, which is said to strengthen the immune system .

Consumers are advised that cleansing reactions such as, headaches, tiredness, running nose, constipation or diarrhea may appear. Other symptoms, such as, fatigue, skin rashes, polyuria, nervousness, and increased susceptibility to the flu or colds will supposedly pass in 1-7 days.

Many users are told not to use medication that suppresses symptoms because it can compromise the healing process. Some are told to avoid high-protein foods or fat. This is NOT good advice.

A prospective user notes that in early 1994, a study warned of the dangers of using BGA (Spirulina) because it "was said to produce deadly neurotoxins". ; Consuming too much microalgae can be harmful and may cause calcium depletion, kidney stones, and gout.

Arathoon and colleagues from Guatemala City believe cyanobacteria- like organisms can be a cause of HIV- associated diarrhea and weight loss. Some marketing agents ask users to follow special rules, which include the purchase of more products, to assure results. Algae supplementation can be quite expensive and cost as much as a week's worth of groceries. Red Marine Algae is more costly than the other brands.

Determining if a product is safe to use, and beneficial, requires time- consuming research that most consumers are not inclined to complete. However, informed consumers are definitely in the best position to decide if purchases are worth their hard earned cash.

© 1996 Sharon Ann Meyer, (Excerpted from the HIV ReSource Review, Volume 1, Issue 3, November 1996)

Sharon Ann Meyer, A.S., A.A., D.T.R. is the President of HIV ReSources, Inc., a Florida based company that distributes resources on nutrition and HIV/AIDS. Involved in the nutritional aspects of HIV/AIDS care since 1988, she is the Editor-In-Chief of the HIV ReSource Review a newsletter that presents literature reviews of HIV/AIDS and nutrition- related topics. Sharon is a member of numerous professional and community groups and has worked as a Nutrition Education Program Coordinator and Clinical Dietetic Technician serving hospitals and ASOs in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area. Visit her web site, HIV ReSources, Inc. at http://www.hivresources.com.