Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for general nutrition and energy, antioxidant support, cholesterol and metabolic health.Based on those ingredients, 327 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are certified organic, wild-harvest Blue-Green Algae. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
Ask the Pharmacist
A licensed pharmacist will answer your question by email — free, usually within 24 hours.
Got it — thank you!
A licensed pharmacist will answer within 24 hours. Keep an eye on your email (worth checking spam, just in case).
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: certified organic, wild-harvest blue-green algae at 500 mg per tablet. It also includes two inactive ingredients—maltodextrin and silica—which serve as binders and flow agents in the tablet.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence for blue-green algae is mixed and limited. It's rated possibly effective for high blood pressure based on available research.
For other uses listed—acne, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), iron-deficiency anemia, and arsenic poisoning—the evidence isn't established enough to rate. The data we hold doesn't support or refute effectiveness for these conditions.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Blue-green algae are generally well tolerated orally, though a range of mild gastrointestinal side effects have been reported, including abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Allergic reactions are rare but possible—urticaria (hives) and itching have occurred, and one case of severe anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) was reported in a teenager within 6 hours of taking spirulina tablets.
A critical safety concern: quality varies widely between brands, and some products can be contaminated with toxins or heavy metals. The safety data available advises caution, and contamination risk is real.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Double-check this product with your pharmacist before starting if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Moderate severity), immunosuppressive medications (Moderate severity), or diabetes drugs (Moderate severity). No other medication types are documented to interact with the ingredient we could check.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
If you have high blood pressure and want to explore blue-green algae, talk with your pharmacist or doctor first—especially if you're on blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or immunosuppressants. Quality and contamination are serious concerns with this category of product.
Always check your exact medications against our interaction tool before you start.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 7, 2019.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Swanson GreenFoods Formulas |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 087614060583 |
| Net contents | 90 Tablet(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jan 7, 2019 |
| DSLD ID | 184770 |
| Product type | Non-nutrient/non-botanical |
| Supplement form | Tablet Or Pill |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| certified organic, wild-harvest Blue-Green Algae | 500 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Maltodextrin, Silica
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements
Phytonutrient-Rich Green Foods
To reorder, call toll free 1-800-437-4148 or visit our website at www.swansonvitamins.com
Formula
Made with Certified Organic Klamath Blue-Green Algae
Wild-harvested freshwater Algae
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Seals/Symbols
Guaranteed purity & potency
Precautions
Do not use if seal is broken.
Keep out of reach of children.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one tablet one to two times per day, preferably on an empty stomach, with an 8-ounce glass of water.
General
SWR058 Rev 0 02 27 18
Formulation
Certified Organic by Minnesota Crop Improvement Association (MCIA), St. Paul, MN 55108.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Amounts shown are per serving.
Certified organic, wild-harvest Blue-Green Algae
Interacts with327 drugs
Blue-green algae are nutrient-rich aquatic microorganisms (such as spirulina and Klamath Lake algae) taken as a supplement for energy, nutrition, and...
Certified organic, wild-harvest Blue-Green Algae monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Maltodextrin, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Klamath Blue-Green Algae by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas does interact with several medication types.
The most serious documented concern is with blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin). While a real risk in theory, one small study suggested actual bleeding risk is unlikely—but we can't rule it out completely, especially at higher doses.
A small number of patients taking spirulina blue-green algae have reported mild gum bleeding and bruising.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Blue-green algae may also interfere with immunosuppressive medications (drugs that dampen the immune system) because the algae can stimulate immune function. Additionally, it might lower blood sugar too much if you're on diabetes drugs, though the algae doesn't reliably improve long-term blood sugar control.
Alogether, these interactions span 322 individual medications. Before you start this product, run your exact prescription medications through the checker on this page.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg interact with 327 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. certified organic, wild-harvest Blue-Green Algae
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Abciximab interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Immunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Abrocitinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking blue-green algae with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Acarbose interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Acenocoumarol interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic
How Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interactionAcetohexamideDymelor
How Acetohexamide interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking blue-green algae with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Acetohexamide interactionAcetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen
How Acetylsalicylic Acid interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Acetylsalicylic Acid interactionAdalimumabHumira
How Adalimumab interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Adalimumab interactionAdalimumab-adazHyrimoz
How Adalimumab-adaz interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Adalimumab-adaz interactionAdalimumab-adbmCyltezo
How Adalimumab-adbm interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Adalimumab-adbm interactionAdalimumab-afzbAbrilada
How Adalimumab-afzb interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Adalimumab-afzb interactionAdalimumab-attoAmjevita
How Adalimumab-atto interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Adalimumab-atto interactionAdalimumab-bwwdHadlima
How Adalimumab-bwwd interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Adalimumab-bwwd interactionAdalimumab-fkjpHulio
How Adalimumab-fkjp interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Adalimumab-fkjp interactionAlbiglutideTanzeum
How Albiglutide interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking blue-green algae with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Albiglutide interactionAlefaceptAmevive
How Alefacept interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Alefacept interactionAlemtuzumabCampath
How Alemtuzumab interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Alemtuzumab interactionAlogliptinNesina
How Alogliptin interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking blue-green algae with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Alogliptin interactionAlogliptin, MetforminKazano
How Alogliptin, Metformin interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking blue-green algae with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Alogliptin, Metformin interactionAlogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
How Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking blue-green algae with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interactionAlteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase
How Alteplase, Tpa interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Alteplase, Tpa interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAnacaulase-bcdbNexoBrid
How Anacaulase-bcdb interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Anacaulase-bcdb interactionAnagrelideAgrylin
How Anagrelide interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Anagrelide interactionAnifrolumab-fniaSaphnelo
How Anifrolumab-fnia interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Anifrolumab-fnia interactionAnisindioneMiradon
How Anisindione interacts with Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green AlgaeAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic, Wild-harvest Blue-green Algae + Anisindione interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
certified organic, wild-harvest Blue-Green Algae
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, this is unlikely.
Spirulina blue-green algae have shown antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects in vitro. However, one preliminary study in 24 patients receiving spirulina blue-green algae 2.3 grams daily for 2 weeks showed no effect on platelet activation or measures of clotting time.
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, taking blue-green algae with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Human research shows that spirulina blue-green algae can have hypoglycemic effects in patients with diabetes, at least some of whom were using antidiabetes drugs. However, blue-green algae does not seem to improve glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes. A meta-analysis of animal studies also suggests that spirulina blue-green algae have hypoglycemic effects.
Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Blue-green algae have been shown to stimulate the immune system.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg, from the product label.
Swanson GreenFoods Formulas
See all Swanson GreenFoods Formulas products- Name
- Swanson Health Products
- City
- Fargo
- State
- ND
- ZipCode
- 58104
- Phone Number
- 1-800-437-4148
- Web Address
- www.swansonvitamins.com
Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas: Common Questions
Does Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this if I'm on blood thinners like warfarin?
Will this help my hay fever or acne?
What are the most common side effects?
Is this product safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
I'm on diabetes medication. Is this safe?
Should I worry about contamination?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Klamath Blue-Green Algae 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 22 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Blue-green Algae 22 references
- Jensen GS, Ginsberg DJ, Huerta P, et al. Consumption of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae has rapid effects on the circulation and function of immune cells in humans. A novel approach to nutritional mobilization of the immune system. JANA 2000;2:50-6.
- Iwasa M, Yamamoto M, Tanaka Y, et al. Spirulina-associated hepatotoxicity. Am J Gastroenterol 2002;97:3212-13. PubMed
- Hayashi O, Katoh T, Okuwaki Y. Enhancement of antibody production in mice by dietary Spirulina platensis. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1994;40:431-41.. PubMed
- Vitale S, Miller NR, Mejico LJ, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial of super blue-green algae in patients with essential blepharospasm or Meige syndrome. Am J Ophthalmol 2004;138:18-32. PubMed
- Mani UV, Desai S, Iyer U. Studies on the long-term effect of spirulina supplementation on serum lipid profile and glycated proteins in NIDDM patients. J Nutraceut 2000;2(3):25-32. DOI
- Chiu HF, Yang SP, Kuo YL, et al. Mechanisms involved in the antiplatelet effect of C-phycocyanin. Br J Nutr 2006;95:435-40. PubMed
- Hsiao G, Chou PH, Shen MY, et al. C-phycocyanin, a very potent and novel platelet aggregation inhibitor from Spirulina platensis. J Agric Food Chem 2005;53:7734-40.
- Katz M, Levine AA, Kol-Degani H, Kav-Venaki L. A compound herbal preparation (CHP) in the treatment of children with ADHD: a randomized controlled trial. J Atten Disord 2010;14:281-91. PubMed
- Madhyastha, H. K., Radha, K. S., Sugiki, M., Omura, S., and Maruyama, M. Purification of c-phycocyanin from Spirulina fusiformis and its effect on the induction of urokinase-type plasminogen activator from calf pulmonary endothelial cells. Phytomedicine PubMed
- Mazokopakis, E. E., Karefilakis, C. M., Tsartsalis, A. N., Milkas, A. N., and Ganotakis, E. S. Acute rhabdomyolysis caused by Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). Phytomedicine. 2008;15(6-7):525-527. PubMed
- Halidou, Doudou M., Degbey, H., Daouda, H., Leveque, A., Donnen, P., Hennart, P., and Dramaix-Wilmet, M. [The effect of spiruline during nutritional rehabilitation: systematic review]. Rev.Epidemiol.Sante Publique 2008;56(6):425-431.
- Konno, T., Umeda, Y., Umeda, M., Kawachi, I., Oyake, M., and Fujita, N. [A case of inflammatory myopathy with widely skin rash following use of supplements containing Spirulina]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2011;51(5):330-333. PubMed
- Le TM, Knulst AC, Röckmann H. Anaphylaxis to Spirulina confirmed by skin prick test with ingredients of Spirulina tablets. Food Chem Toxicol 2014;74:309-10. PubMed
- Rzymski P, Niedzielski P, Kaczmarek N, Jurczak T, Klimaszyk P. The multidisciplinary approach to safety and toxicity assessment of microalgae-based food supplements following clinical cases of poisoning. Harmful Algae 2015;46:34-42. DOI
- Petrus M, Culerrier R, Campistron M, et al. First case report of anaphylaxis to spirulin: identification of phycocyanin as responsible allergen. Allergy 2010;65(7):924-5. PubMed
- Marles RJ, Barrett ML, Barnes J, et al. United States Pharmacopeia safety evaluation of spirulina. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2011;51(7):593-604. PubMed
- Majdoub H, Ben Mansour M, Chaubet F, et al. Anticoagulant activity of a sulfated polysaccharide from the green alga Arthrospira platensis. Biochim Biophys Acta 2009;1790(10):1377-81. PubMed
- Cha BG, Kwak HW, Park AR, et al. Structural characteristics and biological performance of silk fibroin nanofiber containing microalgae spirulina extract. Biopolymers 2014;101(4):307-18. PubMed
- Jensen GS, Drapeau C, Lenninger M, Benson KF. Clinical safety of a high dose of phycocyanin-enriched aqueous extract from Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis: results from a randomized, double-Blind, placebo-controlled study with a focus on anticoagulant ac
- Hamedifard Z, Milajerdi A, Reiner Z, Taghizadeh M, Kolahdooz F, Asemi Z. The effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized con
- Moradi S, Zobeiri M, Feizi A, Clark CCT, Entezari MH. The effects of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, sleep quality, mental health, fatigue status and quality of life in patients with ulcerative
- Ghanbari F, Amerizadeh A, Behshood P, Moradi S, Asgary S. Effect of microalgae arthrospira on biomarkers of glycemic control and glucose metabolism: a systematic Review and meta-analysis. Curr Probl Cardiol 2022;47(10):100942. PubMed
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC