Best Spirulina Nutritional Supplements
Hawaiian Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae, Arthrospira platenesis, which is grown naturally under the intense Hawaiian sun on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaiian Spirulina® by Nutrex Hawaii has been the Nation’s #1 brand of Spirulina† for over a decade and is the highest quality Spirulina on the market.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I normally buy the 16 oz bottle of Nutrex spirulina powder and take approximately 2-3 heaping teaspoons a day but have not had the chance to restock after running out because the price for it here on Amazon fluctuates all the time from $24 to $40 for the same product. I purchased this jar of spirulina tablets as back-up until I restock kthe powder form and for its convenience of being able to pop them in my mouth anytime I need without having to mix with a shake or drink. Tablet form is easier to administer to my dog as well, whereas I normally sprinkle the spirulina powder into the dog food."
"What follows is my review I posted on the 1lb jars of Nutrex Spirulina a few years ago, with a few extra comments regarding this bulk 5 lb option (which is the way I buy it). If you have the time and inclination to browse over a lot more information about spirulina, please read the FULL REVIEW[...]. If you are having your order shipped internationally (via freight forwarding, or a friend, or simply in your luggage, since Amazon don't ship this item internationally) the 5 lb bag weighs a LOT less than 5x 1 lb jars, as the glass is heavy. << STORAGE - IMPORTANT >>. If you buy the 5 lb bag, one concern for some people is whether they will use it quickly enough before it deteriorates. Because refrigerated spirulina is much colder than the atmosphere in your house, each time you open the bag a little moisture will condensate onto the powder (this is especially true in humid [60% +] environments). << THE TASTE FACTOR >>. I'd been eating Spirulina for perhaps 5 years before I tried this Hawaiian variety (manufactured by Nutrex). One day I met the guy who was importing Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina into New Zealand (where I lived at the time). Partly because it tastes great, which means I can put as much as I want into my drink without it getting over-powering, but also because my research indicated that the Hawaiian variety is superior in quality and nutritional content. If you are new to Spirulina and super-foods in general, I suggest adding this product to a smoothie, and drinking that each day. I have given workshops on what I call "Intelligent Nutritional" throughout Europe and Canada, and this is a basic version of a recipe I share with people. I'd say a couple of tablespoons of this rich green powder contains more nutrition that the people eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) might get in a week worth of meals. I know many people who have had a wide range of very positive benefits from adding spirulina to their diet. Two major USA companies (Cyanotech, the makers of Nutrex brand, being one of them) have both ceased production of `Organic Spirulina', due to the USDA terminating the use of a fertiliser which was originally permitted as an organic feed for the growth of Spirulina. The best organic spirulina, according to my research, is made by Parry Nutraceuticals, and marketed by third parties under many different brands. I understand from Parry literature (online) their product is high quality, and has a long list of organic certifications. << OTHER BRANDS (of Hawaiian Spirulina) >>. It should be noted that ALL of the above info I have been posting applies not only to the product this review is on. [[ UPDATE on the above statement: Since late 2011 Cyanotech ceased selling their Hawaiian Spirulina in bulk to US based companies, who then resell it under their own brands. Only non-US companies continue to bulk buy from Cyanotech and package this spirulina under their own brands (mostly in the UK). Most, if not all, of the US West coast received fallout from Fukushima, so the Earthrise facilities in California might have been just as likely to be affected as Hawaii. Anyway, that's another option if you want a US made product (as opposed to spirulina from China, India, or Thailand - the other main producers), that is also is quality packaging (brown glass jar). >>. As mentioned in my UPDATE above, there is no companies in the United States selling Hawaiian spirulina except Cyanotech who have the Nutrex brand. As of late 2011 I dropped that recommendation, because NOW FOODS changed their non-organic supplier to Parry Nutraceuticals (the same company they get their Organic product from). There are a few other companies selling the Hawaiian variety, but their prices are higher and their packaging cheaper (plastic as opposed to dark brown air-tight glass bottles). I'll pass on the following information for your consideration: I communicated with Cyanotech some time ago now... and they assure me their spirulina is "herbicide, pesticide, and GMO free". They have stated: (Quote) >> "Plant-based organic (biological) agriculture is fundamentally a system of maintaining soil health and therefore plant vitality. Organic farming relies heavily on the use of nitrogen fixing cover crops, composted manures, crop rotation, and of course organic farming eschews the use of synthetic pesticides (including herbicides). Furthermore, since Spirulina is grown without soil, there is no crop rotation or direct additions of manure to the growing system. Instead, Spirulina growers create the exact conditions of nature (high baking soda and ample amounts of soluble phosphorous and nitrogen) . Spirulina does not create any ground water pollution or soil erosion (it is grown in lined ponds). And although traditional organic farming can use cover crops for nitrogen, there are also phosphorous inputs that are from outside sources (this is absolutely necessary also with Spirulina). Simply put, both organic terrestrial and Spirulina culture systems are reduced input farming techniques that are much lower impact in terms of pollution and soil loss than typical commercial farming." >> (End quote). Their literature also states the following about their Spirulina: >> "Pesticide free, Herbicide free, Environmentally friendly, Full nutritional value, Purified nutrients, Highest growth rate, Low heavy metal level, Low bacterial count". There is still no mention of where they source the nutrients for spirulina production. Nutrex also share the following explanation about why they dropped the organic certification: >> "In October 2002 the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) voted to continue to allow the use of mined Chilean nitrate in Spirulina production until October 2005. (Chilean nitrate is a water soluble form of nitrogen used in the production of Organic Spirulina.). Production of Spirulina requires water soluble forms of phosphorus and nitrogen. This is not desired in terrestrial farming as soluble forms of phosphorous and nitrogen can harm the soil and contaminate ground water; on the other hand, in Spirulina production this is not a problem because all culture ponds are lined and there is no runoff or contamination of ground water. Cyanotech feels that the NOSB will vote to disallow the use of Chilean nitrate in October 2005 as it is mined and thus not considered a sustainable source of nitrogen. The only sources of soluble nitrogen allowed under organic regulations are compost teas and various manures. Instead we will concentrate our efforts to continually improve the quality of our All Natural Spirulina products. Spirulina does not create any ground water pollution or soil erosion since it is grown in lined ponds. Cyanotech's All Natural Spirulina products are GMO free, are produced without the use of pesticides or herbicides, are produced using pure deep seawater pumped from a depth of 2000 ft as a source of trace minerals and use a patented OceanChill(tm) drying process to preserve oxygen sensitive nutrients. They have made this public statement: >>" Cyanotech implemented monitoring of our Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica and BioAstin Natural Astaxanthin products immediately after the disaster in Japan through independent third party laboratory analysis. << (End Quote). For those people concerned about radioactivity in general, please note that Spirulina has been proven to significantly reduce the ill effects of radiation exposure. I wish you all the best of health, Jonathan Evatt. International lecturer, Traditional Naturopath, and award-winning author of Peace, Power, and Presence: Wisdom for a Lift of Freedom. I have posted links to the products above, specifically selecting only brands I personally have tried and highly recommend."
"I just got my results back from my hair test mineral analysis."
"Since I have family in Hawaii, I know how clean the water can be in Hawaii and trust the spirulina grown there, more then anywhere else."
"I heard that it gives a natural boost which is great for me since I don't drink any caffeine and, like everyone in the morning, I tend to dragggg (especially on Mondays - ugh)."
"I have been taking Spirulina for decades and find these to be of Great Quality."
"I wish I could receive the benefit from taking spirulina, but I learned when I take this, it elicits shortness of breath."
"My all time favorite vitamin!!"
Hawaiian Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae, Arthrospira platenesis, which is grown naturally under the intense Hawaiian sun on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaiian Spirulina by Nutrex Hawaii has been the Nation’s #1 brand of Spirulina for over a decade and is the highest quality Spirulina on the market.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I normally buy the 16 oz bottle of Nutrex spirulina powder and take approximately 2-3 heaping teaspoons a day but have not had the chance to restock after running out because the price for it here on Amazon fluctuates all the time from $24 to $40 for the same product. I purchased this jar of spirulina tablets as back-up until I restock kthe powder form and for its convenience of being able to pop them in my mouth anytime I need without having to mix with a shake or drink. Tablet form is easier to administer to my dog as well, whereas I normally sprinkle the spirulina powder into the dog food."
"What follows is my review I posted on the 1lb jars of Nutrex Spirulina a few years ago, with a few extra comments regarding this bulk 5 lb option (which is the way I buy it). If you have the time and inclination to browse over a lot more information about spirulina, please read the FULL REVIEW[...]. If you are having your order shipped internationally (via freight forwarding, or a friend, or simply in your luggage, since Amazon don't ship this item internationally) the 5 lb bag weighs a LOT less than 5x 1 lb jars, as the glass is heavy. << STORAGE - IMPORTANT >>. If you buy the 5 lb bag, one concern for some people is whether they will use it quickly enough before it deteriorates. Because refrigerated spirulina is much colder than the atmosphere in your house, each time you open the bag a little moisture will condensate onto the powder (this is especially true in humid [60% +] environments). << THE TASTE FACTOR >>. I'd been eating Spirulina for perhaps 5 years before I tried this Hawaiian variety (manufactured by Nutrex). One day I met the guy who was importing Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina into New Zealand (where I lived at the time). Partly because it tastes great, which means I can put as much as I want into my drink without it getting over-powering, but also because my research indicated that the Hawaiian variety is superior in quality and nutritional content. If you are new to Spirulina and super-foods in general, I suggest adding this product to a smoothie, and drinking that each day. I have given workshops on what I call "Intelligent Nutritional" throughout Europe and Canada, and this is a basic version of a recipe I share with people. I'd say a couple of tablespoons of this rich green powder contains more nutrition that the people eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) might get in a week worth of meals. I know many people who have had a wide range of very positive benefits from adding spirulina to their diet. Two major USA companies (Cyanotech, the makers of Nutrex brand, being one of them) have both ceased production of `Organic Spirulina', due to the USDA terminating the use of a fertiliser which was originally permitted as an organic feed for the growth of Spirulina. The best organic spirulina, according to my research, is made by Parry Nutraceuticals, and marketed by third parties under many different brands. I understand from Parry literature (online) their product is high quality, and has a long list of organic certifications. << OTHER BRANDS (of Hawaiian Spirulina) >>. It should be noted that ALL of the above info I have been posting applies not only to the product this review is on. [[ UPDATE on the above statement: Since late 2011 Cyanotech ceased selling their Hawaiian Spirulina in bulk to US based companies, who then resell it under their own brands. Only non-US companies continue to bulk buy from Cyanotech and package this spirulina under their own brands (mostly in the UK). Most, if not all, of the US West coast received fallout from Fukushima, so the Earthrise facilities in California might have been just as likely to be affected as Hawaii. Anyway, that's another option if you want a US made product (as opposed to spirulina from China, India, or Thailand - the other main producers), that is also is quality packaging (brown glass jar). >>. As mentioned in my UPDATE above, there is no companies in the United States selling Hawaiian spirulina except Cyanotech who have the Nutrex brand. As of late 2011 I dropped that recommendation, because NOW FOODS changed their non-organic supplier to Parry Nutraceuticals (the same company they get their Organic product from). There are a few other companies selling the Hawaiian variety, but their prices are higher and their packaging cheaper (plastic as opposed to dark brown air-tight glass bottles). I'll pass on the following information for your consideration: I communicated with Cyanotech some time ago now... and they assure me their spirulina is "herbicide, pesticide, and GMO free". They have stated: (Quote) >> "Plant-based organic (biological) agriculture is fundamentally a system of maintaining soil health and therefore plant vitality. Organic farming relies heavily on the use of nitrogen fixing cover crops, composted manures, crop rotation, and of course organic farming eschews the use of synthetic pesticides (including herbicides). Furthermore, since Spirulina is grown without soil, there is no crop rotation or direct additions of manure to the growing system. Instead, Spirulina growers create the exact conditions of nature (high baking soda and ample amounts of soluble phosphorous and nitrogen) . Spirulina does not create any ground water pollution or soil erosion (it is grown in lined ponds). And although traditional organic farming can use cover crops for nitrogen, there are also phosphorous inputs that are from outside sources (this is absolutely necessary also with Spirulina). Simply put, both organic terrestrial and Spirulina culture systems are reduced input farming techniques that are much lower impact in terms of pollution and soil loss than typical commercial farming." >> (End quote). Their literature also states the following about their Spirulina: >> "Pesticide free, Herbicide free, Environmentally friendly, Full nutritional value, Purified nutrients, Highest growth rate, Low heavy metal level, Low bacterial count". There is still no mention of where they source the nutrients for spirulina production. Nutrex also share the following explanation about why they dropped the organic certification: >> "In October 2002 the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) voted to continue to allow the use of mined Chilean nitrate in Spirulina production until October 2005. (Chilean nitrate is a water soluble form of nitrogen used in the production of Organic Spirulina.). Production of Spirulina requires water soluble forms of phosphorus and nitrogen. This is not desired in terrestrial farming as soluble forms of phosphorous and nitrogen can harm the soil and contaminate ground water; on the other hand, in Spirulina production this is not a problem because all culture ponds are lined and there is no runoff or contamination of ground water. Cyanotech feels that the NOSB will vote to disallow the use of Chilean nitrate in October 2005 as it is mined and thus not considered a sustainable source of nitrogen. The only sources of soluble nitrogen allowed under organic regulations are compost teas and various manures. Instead we will concentrate our efforts to continually improve the quality of our All Natural Spirulina products. Spirulina does not create any ground water pollution or soil erosion since it is grown in lined ponds. Cyanotech's All Natural Spirulina products are GMO free, are produced without the use of pesticides or herbicides, are produced using pure deep seawater pumped from a depth of 2000 ft as a source of trace minerals and use a patented OceanChill(tm) drying process to preserve oxygen sensitive nutrients. They have made this public statement: >>" Cyanotech implemented monitoring of our Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica and BioAstin Natural Astaxanthin products immediately after the disaster in Japan through independent third party laboratory analysis. << (End Quote). For those people concerned about radioactivity in general, please note that Spirulina has been proven to significantly reduce the ill effects of radiation exposure. I wish you all the best of health, Jonathan Evatt. International lecturer, Traditional Naturopath, and award-winning author of Peace, Power, and Presence: Wisdom for a Lift of Freedom. I have posted links to the products above, specifically selecting only brands I personally have tried and highly recommend."
"I just got my results back from my hair test mineral analysis."
"Since I have family in Hawaii, I know how clean the water can be in Hawaii and trust the spirulina grown there, more then anywhere else."
"I heard that it gives a natural boost which is great for me since I don't drink any caffeine and, like everyone in the morning, I tend to dragggg (especially on Mondays - ugh)."
"I have been taking Spirulina for decades and find these to be of Great Quality."
"I wish I could receive the benefit from taking spirulina, but I learned when I take this, it elicits shortness of breath."
"My all time favorite vitamin!!"
Hawaiian Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae, Arthrospira platenesis, which is grown naturally under the intense Hawaiian sun on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaiian Spirulina by Nutrex Hawaii has been the Nation’s #1 brand of Spirulina for over a decade and is the highest quality Spirulina on the market.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I normally buy the 16 oz bottle of Nutrex spirulina powder and take approximately 2-3 heaping teaspoons a day but have not had the chance to restock after running out because the price for it here on Amazon fluctuates all the time from $24 to $40 for the same product. I purchased this jar of spirulina tablets as back-up until I restock kthe powder form and for its convenience of being able to pop them in my mouth anytime I need without having to mix with a shake or drink. Tablet form is easier to administer to my dog as well, whereas I normally sprinkle the spirulina powder into the dog food."
"What follows is my review I posted on the 1lb jars of Nutrex Spirulina a few years ago, with a few extra comments regarding this bulk 5 lb option (which is the way I buy it). If you have the time and inclination to browse over a lot more information about spirulina, please read the FULL REVIEW[...]. If you are having your order shipped internationally (via freight forwarding, or a friend, or simply in your luggage, since Amazon don't ship this item internationally) the 5 lb bag weighs a LOT less than 5x 1 lb jars, as the glass is heavy. << STORAGE - IMPORTANT >>. If you buy the 5 lb bag, one concern for some people is whether they will use it quickly enough before it deteriorates. Because refrigerated spirulina is much colder than the atmosphere in your house, each time you open the bag a little moisture will condensate onto the powder (this is especially true in humid [60% +] environments). << THE TASTE FACTOR >>. I'd been eating Spirulina for perhaps 5 years before I tried this Hawaiian variety (manufactured by Nutrex). One day I met the guy who was importing Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina into New Zealand (where I lived at the time). Partly because it tastes great, which means I can put as much as I want into my drink without it getting over-powering, but also because my research indicated that the Hawaiian variety is superior in quality and nutritional content. If you are new to Spirulina and super-foods in general, I suggest adding this product to a smoothie, and drinking that each day. I have given workshops on what I call "Intelligent Nutritional" throughout Europe and Canada, and this is a basic version of a recipe I share with people. I'd say a couple of tablespoons of this rich green powder contains more nutrition that the people eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) might get in a week worth of meals. I know many people who have had a wide range of very positive benefits from adding spirulina to their diet. Two major USA companies (Cyanotech, the makers of Nutrex brand, being one of them) have both ceased production of `Organic Spirulina', due to the USDA terminating the use of a fertiliser which was originally permitted as an organic feed for the growth of Spirulina. The best organic spirulina, according to my research, is made by Parry Nutraceuticals, and marketed by third parties under many different brands. I understand from Parry literature (online) their product is high quality, and has a long list of organic certifications. << OTHER BRANDS (of Hawaiian Spirulina) >>. It should be noted that ALL of the above info I have been posting applies not only to the product this review is on. [[ UPDATE on the above statement: Since late 2011 Cyanotech ceased selling their Hawaiian Spirulina in bulk to US based companies, who then resell it under their own brands. Only non-US companies continue to bulk buy from Cyanotech and package this spirulina under their own brands (mostly in the UK). Most, if not all, of the US West coast received fallout from Fukushima, so the Earthrise facilities in California might have been just as likely to be affected as Hawaii. Anyway, that's another option if you want a US made product (as opposed to spirulina from China, India, or Thailand - the other main producers), that is also is quality packaging (brown glass jar). >>. As mentioned in my UPDATE above, there is no companies in the United States selling Hawaiian spirulina except Cyanotech who have the Nutrex brand. As of late 2011 I dropped that recommendation, because NOW FOODS changed their non-organic supplier to Parry Nutraceuticals (the same company they get their Organic product from). There are a few other companies selling the Hawaiian variety, but their prices are higher and their packaging cheaper (plastic as opposed to dark brown air-tight glass bottles). I'll pass on the following information for your consideration: I communicated with Cyanotech some time ago now... and they assure me their spirulina is "herbicide, pesticide, and GMO free". They have stated: (Quote) >> "Plant-based organic (biological) agriculture is fundamentally a system of maintaining soil health and therefore plant vitality. Organic farming relies heavily on the use of nitrogen fixing cover crops, composted manures, crop rotation, and of course organic farming eschews the use of synthetic pesticides (including herbicides). Furthermore, since Spirulina is grown without soil, there is no crop rotation or direct additions of manure to the growing system. Instead, Spirulina growers create the exact conditions of nature (high baking soda and ample amounts of soluble phosphorous and nitrogen) . Spirulina does not create any ground water pollution or soil erosion (it is grown in lined ponds). And although traditional organic farming can use cover crops for nitrogen, there are also phosphorous inputs that are from outside sources (this is absolutely necessary also with Spirulina). Simply put, both organic terrestrial and Spirulina culture systems are reduced input farming techniques that are much lower impact in terms of pollution and soil loss than typical commercial farming." >> (End quote). Their literature also states the following about their Spirulina: >> "Pesticide free, Herbicide free, Environmentally friendly, Full nutritional value, Purified nutrients, Highest growth rate, Low heavy metal level, Low bacterial count". There is still no mention of where they source the nutrients for spirulina production. Nutrex also share the following explanation about why they dropped the organic certification: >> "In October 2002 the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) voted to continue to allow the use of mined Chilean nitrate in Spirulina production until October 2005. (Chilean nitrate is a water soluble form of nitrogen used in the production of Organic Spirulina.). Production of Spirulina requires water soluble forms of phosphorus and nitrogen. This is not desired in terrestrial farming as soluble forms of phosphorous and nitrogen can harm the soil and contaminate ground water; on the other hand, in Spirulina production this is not a problem because all culture ponds are lined and there is no runoff or contamination of ground water. Cyanotech feels that the NOSB will vote to disallow the use of Chilean nitrate in October 2005 as it is mined and thus not considered a sustainable source of nitrogen. The only sources of soluble nitrogen allowed under organic regulations are compost teas and various manures. Instead we will concentrate our efforts to continually improve the quality of our All Natural Spirulina products. Spirulina does not create any ground water pollution or soil erosion since it is grown in lined ponds. Cyanotech's All Natural Spirulina products are GMO free, are produced without the use of pesticides or herbicides, are produced using pure deep seawater pumped from a depth of 2000 ft as a source of trace minerals and use a patented OceanChill(tm) drying process to preserve oxygen sensitive nutrients. They have made this public statement: >>" Cyanotech implemented monitoring of our Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica and BioAstin Natural Astaxanthin products immediately after the disaster in Japan through independent third party laboratory analysis. << (End Quote). For those people concerned about radioactivity in general, please note that Spirulina has been proven to significantly reduce the ill effects of radiation exposure. I wish you all the best of health, Jonathan Evatt. International lecturer, Traditional Naturopath, and award-winning author of Peace, Power, and Presence: Wisdom for a Lift of Freedom. I have posted links to the products above, specifically selecting only brands I personally have tried and highly recommend."
"I just got my results back from my hair test mineral analysis."
"Since I have family in Hawaii, I know how clean the water can be in Hawaii and trust the spirulina grown there, more then anywhere else."
"I heard that it gives a natural boost which is great for me since I don't drink any caffeine and, like everyone in the morning, I tend to dragggg (especially on Mondays - ugh)."
"I have been taking Spirulina for decades and find these to be of Great Quality."
"I wish I could receive the benefit from taking spirulina, but I learned when I take this, it elicits shortness of breath."
"My all time favorite vitamin!!"
Best Green Food Combination Nutritional Supplements
Hawaiian Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae, Arthrospira platenesis, which is grown naturally under the intense Hawaiian sun on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaiian Spirulina® by Nutrex Hawaii has been the Nation’s #1 brand of Spirulina† for over a decade and is the highest quality Spirulina on the market.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I normally buy the 16 oz bottle of Nutrex spirulina powder and take approximately 2-3 heaping teaspoons a day but have not had the chance to restock after running out because the price for it here on Amazon fluctuates all the time from $24 to $40 for the same product. I purchased this jar of spirulina tablets as back-up until I restock kthe powder form and for its convenience of being able to pop them in my mouth anytime I need without having to mix with a shake or drink. Tablet form is easier to administer to my dog as well, whereas I normally sprinkle the spirulina powder into the dog food."
"What follows is my review I posted on the 1lb jars of Nutrex Spirulina a few years ago, with a few extra comments regarding this bulk 5 lb option (which is the way I buy it). If you have the time and inclination to browse over a lot more information about spirulina, please read the FULL REVIEW[...]. If you are having your order shipped internationally (via freight forwarding, or a friend, or simply in your luggage, since Amazon don't ship this item internationally) the 5 lb bag weighs a LOT less than 5x 1 lb jars, as the glass is heavy. << STORAGE - IMPORTANT >>. If you buy the 5 lb bag, one concern for some people is whether they will use it quickly enough before it deteriorates. Because refrigerated spirulina is much colder than the atmosphere in your house, each time you open the bag a little moisture will condensate onto the powder (this is especially true in humid [60% +] environments). << THE TASTE FACTOR >>. I'd been eating Spirulina for perhaps 5 years before I tried this Hawaiian variety (manufactured by Nutrex). One day I met the guy who was importing Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina into New Zealand (where I lived at the time). Partly because it tastes great, which means I can put as much as I want into my drink without it getting over-powering, but also because my research indicated that the Hawaiian variety is superior in quality and nutritional content. If you are new to Spirulina and super-foods in general, I suggest adding this product to a smoothie, and drinking that each day. I have given workshops on what I call "Intelligent Nutritional" throughout Europe and Canada, and this is a basic version of a recipe I share with people. I'd say a couple of tablespoons of this rich green powder contains more nutrition that the people eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) might get in a week worth of meals. I know many people who have had a wide range of very positive benefits from adding spirulina to their diet. Two major USA companies (Cyanotech, the makers of Nutrex brand, being one of them) have both ceased production of `Organic Spirulina', due to the USDA terminating the use of a fertiliser which was originally permitted as an organic feed for the growth of Spirulina. The best organic spirulina, according to my research, is made by Parry Nutraceuticals, and marketed by third parties under many different brands. I understand from Parry literature (online) their product is high quality, and has a long list of organic certifications. << OTHER BRANDS (of Hawaiian Spirulina) >>. It should be noted that ALL of the above info I have been posting applies not only to the product this review is on. [[ UPDATE on the above statement: Since late 2011 Cyanotech ceased selling their Hawaiian Spirulina in bulk to US based companies, who then resell it under their own brands. Only non-US companies continue to bulk buy from Cyanotech and package this spirulina under their own brands (mostly in the UK). Most, if not all, of the US West coast received fallout from Fukushima, so the Earthrise facilities in California might have been just as likely to be affected as Hawaii. Anyway, that's another option if you want a US made product (as opposed to spirulina from China, India, or Thailand - the other main producers), that is also is quality packaging (brown glass jar). >>. As mentioned in my UPDATE above, there is no companies in the United States selling Hawaiian spirulina except Cyanotech who have the Nutrex brand. As of late 2011 I dropped that recommendation, because NOW FOODS changed their non-organic supplier to Parry Nutraceuticals (the same company they get their Organic product from). There are a few other companies selling the Hawaiian variety, but their prices are higher and their packaging cheaper (plastic as opposed to dark brown air-tight glass bottles). I'll pass on the following information for your consideration: I communicated with Cyanotech some time ago now... and they assure me their spirulina is "herbicide, pesticide, and GMO free". They have stated: (Quote) >> "Plant-based organic (biological) agriculture is fundamentally a system of maintaining soil health and therefore plant vitality. Organic farming relies heavily on the use of nitrogen fixing cover crops, composted manures, crop rotation, and of course organic farming eschews the use of synthetic pesticides (including herbicides). Furthermore, since Spirulina is grown without soil, there is no crop rotation or direct additions of manure to the growing system. Instead, Spirulina growers create the exact conditions of nature (high baking soda and ample amounts of soluble phosphorous and nitrogen) . Spirulina does not create any ground water pollution or soil erosion (it is grown in lined ponds). And although traditional organic farming can use cover crops for nitrogen, there are also phosphorous inputs that are from outside sources (this is absolutely necessary also with Spirulina). Simply put, both organic terrestrial and Spirulina culture systems are reduced input farming techniques that are much lower impact in terms of pollution and soil loss than typical commercial farming." >> (End quote). Their literature also states the following about their Spirulina: >> "Pesticide free, Herbicide free, Environmentally friendly, Full nutritional value, Purified nutrients, Highest growth rate, Low heavy metal level, Low bacterial count". There is still no mention of where they source the nutrients for spirulina production. Nutrex also share the following explanation about why they dropped the organic certification: >> "In October 2002 the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) voted to continue to allow the use of mined Chilean nitrate in Spirulina production until October 2005. (Chilean nitrate is a water soluble form of nitrogen used in the production of Organic Spirulina.). Production of Spirulina requires water soluble forms of phosphorus and nitrogen. This is not desired in terrestrial farming as soluble forms of phosphorous and nitrogen can harm the soil and contaminate ground water; on the other hand, in Spirulina production this is not a problem because all culture ponds are lined and there is no runoff or contamination of ground water. Cyanotech feels that the NOSB will vote to disallow the use of Chilean nitrate in October 2005 as it is mined and thus not considered a sustainable source of nitrogen. The only sources of soluble nitrogen allowed under organic regulations are compost teas and various manures. Instead we will concentrate our efforts to continually improve the quality of our All Natural Spirulina products. Spirulina does not create any ground water pollution or soil erosion since it is grown in lined ponds. Cyanotech's All Natural Spirulina products are GMO free, are produced without the use of pesticides or herbicides, are produced using pure deep seawater pumped from a depth of 2000 ft as a source of trace minerals and use a patented OceanChill(tm) drying process to preserve oxygen sensitive nutrients. They have made this public statement: >>" Cyanotech implemented monitoring of our Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica and BioAstin Natural Astaxanthin products immediately after the disaster in Japan through independent third party laboratory analysis. << (End Quote). For those people concerned about radioactivity in general, please note that Spirulina has been proven to significantly reduce the ill effects of radiation exposure. I wish you all the best of health, Jonathan Evatt. International lecturer, Traditional Naturopath, and award-winning author of Peace, Power, and Presence: Wisdom for a Lift of Freedom. I have posted links to the products above, specifically selecting only brands I personally have tried and highly recommend."
"I just got my results back from my hair test mineral analysis."
"My all time favorite vitamin!!"
"We love to add this spirulina to our morning smoothies."
"Very good product."
"Smaller tablets, easier to swallow."
"Until you have researched all ingredients. It turns out to contain iodine, which many, including myself cannot tolerate. Mine arrived today and I only took half the dosage, 3 pills, 2 hours later,I had severe cramps, running to bathroom, while trying to research the product to see what could cause this."