Yes, spirulina contains a lot of iron. Specifically, according to table 1 in the document provided, the iron content in spirulina platensis ranges from 83.3 to 273.2 mg per 100 grams (g). This means that you would need between 6.5 and 325.4 grams of dry spirulina to consume 10 mg of iron, depending on the specific source of the spirulina used.
To consume 30 mg of iron, you would need between 163.2 and 300.0 grams of dry spirulina, while 50 mg of iron would require between 32.6 and 65.4 grams of either dry or wet spirulina.
Spirulina is a good source of iron, but it's important to note that the iron from spirulina is more directly absorbed by the body when it is part of a whole food. It contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that help facilitate iron absorption. Additionally, spirulina has been shown to lower inflammation and improve iron absorption in the intestines.
To fully benefit from the iron present in spirulina, it's a good idea to also supplement with vitamin B12, as spirulina may hinder the absorption of the real vitamin B12 in your gut, leading to a lower absorption overall. To address this, health experts recommend taking extra vitamin B12 alongside consuming spirulina to ensure adequate intake and support the full body function.
