Use of Spirulina as food for humans and feed for domestic animals and fish Global

Food and Agricultural Organisation FAO - Project Dates:
January 2007 - January 2007

Description of Project:
Spirulina platensis is an important Cyanophyta known as ‘Spirulina’ rich in high quality protein, essential lipids, vitamins, carotenoids and phycocyanin. It is a precursor of cholesterol in human blood, and has potentiality in therapeutic effects.

Services Provided:
The primary objective of this preliminary review is to assess/evaluate the existing status/knowledge on the use of spirulina as human food and animal feed, its culture and production and its potential to combat human malnutrition. The extracts of this review paper will be used to prepare a FAO position paper on spirulina with particular reference to its use to combat acute malnutrition in humanitarian emergencies and for sustainable development.