Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 3 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nutrex Hawaii

Pure Hawaiian Spirulina label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Pure Hawaiian Spirulina 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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Pure Hawaiian Spirulina is a dietary supplement by Nutrex Hawaii with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for iron-deficiency anemia, low iron stores during pregnancy, fatigue from iron deficiency.Based on those ingredients, 585 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Spirulina, Sodium, Iron. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Pure Hawaiian Spirulina by Nutrex Hawaii

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Pure Hawaiian Spirulina by Nutrex Hawaii — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Pure Hawaiian Spirulina by Nutrex Hawaii

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.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Sep 3, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Pure Hawaiian Spirulina contains three active ingredients: iron, sodium, and spirulina (a blue-green algae). The product also includes three inactive ingredients—silica, chicory inulin, and vegetable magnesium stearate—which serve as fillers and binders in the tablet.

Iron is included to support red blood cell production and oxygen transport. Sodium is a mineral your body needs for fluid balance and nerve function.

Spirulina is a nutrient-dense algae used traditionally for overall wellness.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Anemia of chronic disease — rated "Effective" (Iron) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Iron deficiency anemia — rated "Effective" (Iron) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Pregnancy-related iron deficiency — rated "Effective" (Iron) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Cystic fibrosis — rated "Likely Effective" (Sodium) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Cognitive function — rated "Possibly Effective" (Iron) (Natural Medicines).

The iron in this product is effective for iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease, as well as for pregnancy-related iron deficiency. Iron is also possibly effective for heart failure.

Spirulina shows possibly effective evidence for high blood pressure, but the evidence for acne, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), iron deficiency anemia, and arsenic poisoning is insufficient to rate. Sodium's role in congestive heart failure and bipolar disorder has insufficient reliable evidence to rate.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Iron Sodium Blue-green Algae

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Iron is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, though excess iron can be toxic—supplements should be used only when there is a real need. Orally, the most common side effects are abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Rare serious effects include gastric ulcerations. Iron is often recommended during pregnancy, but the dose should be guided by your prenatal care provider; it's generally considered acceptable while breastfeeding at appropriate doses, though you should check with your provider.

Sodium is essential in small amounts but too much is linked to high blood pressure and heart strain. Normal dietary sodium is fine, but avoid sodium supplements or very high intake without medical advice.

Spirulina appears well tolerated, with common side effects being abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Rare cases of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported.

Quality varies across spirulina products, and some have been contaminated with toxins or heavy metals.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Iron Sodium Blue-green Algae

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Iron, Blue-green Algae, Sodium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 585 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Pure Hawaiian Spirulina, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take levodopa (Parkinson's disease), blood pressure medications, thyroid hormone (levothyroxine), antibiotics (quinolone or tetracycline types), bisphosphonates, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, immunosuppressants, diabetes medications, lithium, or any sodium-containing medications or supplements. Iron can reduce absorption of many of these, and sodium can interfere with blood pressure control and other drugs.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may help with iron deficiency anemia if you have a documented need, but the iron, sodium, and spirulina content can all interact with common medications. If you take any prescription drugs—especially for blood pressure, thyroid function, antibiotics, bone health, Parkinson's disease, HIV, mood, or immune function—check your medications with the tool on this page before starting.

Talk it over with your own doctor or pharmacist before adding this to your routine.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 22, 2022.

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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Pure Hawaiian Spirulina, straight from the product label.

Brand Nutrex Hawaii
Barcode (UPC) 732894010048
Net contents 400 Tablet(s); 200 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 22, 2022
DSLD ID 259696
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Halal, Gluten Free
From the label
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 Pure Hawaiian Spirulina by Nutrex Hawaii, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
6 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
6 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
66
UPC/BARCODE
732894010048
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories10 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Protein2 Gram(s)4%
Iron3 mg20%
Sodium60 mg3%
Spirulina3 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Silica, Chicory Inulin, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: 6 tablets daily with or between meals.

6 per day

Storage

Refrigerate after opening to maximize freshness.

General Statements

To learn more and access additional nutritional information for naturally grown Hawaiian Spirulina, scan the QR code or visit www.spirulina.health

Made with Aloha.

Nature's Superfood Supplement

Farm grown for your well being since 1984

Setting the Standard for Microalgae Since 1984

Formulation

Made in USA.

Glyphosate Residue Free Detoxproject.org Certified Gluten Free

Certified Vegan Vegan.org 100% vegan

Boosts immunity & supports cardiovascular health

NON GMO Project Verified Nongmoproject.org

Easily absorbed because of a non-cellulose wall Grown and harvested on the Kona Coast of Hawaii Dried with our Ocean Chill Drying technology

Precautions

Do not use if seal is broken or torn.

Warning: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning of children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2020 Nutrex Hawaii

Nutrex Hawaii

Seals/Symbols

Glyphosate Residue Free Detoxproject.org Crescent M (Halal) OK (Kosher) Certified Vegan Vegan.org Certified Gluten Free

NON GMO Project Verified Nongmoproject.org

Formula

Crescent M (Halal)

OK (Kosher)

3 g per serving 500 mg tablets

Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica Naturally contains vitamins A, K, and B12, magnesium, phycocyanin, GLA, chlorophyll, and zeaxanthin Complete protein, with chlorophyll

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Pure Hawaiian Spirulina by Nutrex Hawaii label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Pure Hawaiian Spirulina label

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)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Pure Hawaiian Spirulina by Nutrex Hawaii

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size6 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container66 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Protein

2 Gram(s) per serving

Iron

Interacts with
80 drugs
3 mg per serving

Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to make hemoglobin and carry oxygen in the blood. Supplements are mainly useful for treating or preventin...

Iron monograph & interactions

Sodium

Interacts with
205 drugs
60 mg per serving

Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte your body needs to balance fluids, support nerves, and help muscles work. Most people in modern diets g...

Sodium monograph & interactions

Spirulina

Interacts with
327 drugs
3 Gram(s) per serving

Blue-green algae are nutrient-rich aquatic microorganisms (such as spirulina and Klamath Lake algae) taken as a supplement for energy, nutrition, and...

Spirulina monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Silica, Chicory Inulin, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Pure Hawaiian Spirulina by Nutrex Hawaii Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Pure Hawaiian Spirulina?

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 checker
585Drugs
584 Moderate 1 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Spirulina 327
Sodium 205
Iron 80

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Pure Hawaiian Spirulina interact with 585 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 4 ingredients in Pure Hawaiian Spirulina interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Spirulina Sodium Iron

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Pure Hawaiian Spirulina with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Spirulina3 drug types · 327 drugs

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.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Blue-green algae have been shown to stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Spirulina full monograph & interactions

Sodium7 drug types · 205 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, a high intake of dietary sodium might reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs.
High intake of dietary sodium can increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Also, high intake of sodium may necessitate increased use of antihypertensive medications to achieve blood pressure control in some patients, such as those with chronic kidney disease.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Corticosteroids

Concomitant use of mineralocorticoids and some glucocorticoids with sodium supplements might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Mineralocorticoids and some glucocorticoids (corticosteroids) cause sodium retention. This effect is dose-related and depends on mineralocorticoid potency. It is most common with hydrocortisone, cortisone, and fludrocortisone, followed by prednisone and prednisolone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Didanosine (Videx)

Concomitant use of didanosine with additional sodium from dietary or supplemental sources may increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Didanosine formulations contain a significant amount of sodium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Lithium

Altering dietary intake of sodium might alter the levels and clinical effects of lithium.
High sodium intake can reduce plasma concentrations of lithium by increasing lithium excretion. Reducing sodium intake can significantly increase plasma concentrations of lithium and cause lithium toxicity in patients being treated with lithium carbonate. Stabilizing sodium intake is shown to reduce the percentage of patients with lithium level fluctuations above 0.8 mEq/L. Patients taking lithium should avoid significant alterations in their dietary intake of sodium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Sodium Phosphates

Theoretically, concomitant use of sodium phosphate with sodium supplements might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Use of high doses (> 45 mL in 24 hours) of sodium phosphate, such as those used for bowel cleansing before surgery, can lead to serious electrolyte disturbances, including hypernatremia. The risk of hypernatremia is highest in the elderly and people with other risk factors for electrolyte disturbances.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sodium-Containing Drugs

Concomitant use of sodium-containing drugs with additional sodium from dietary or supplemental sources may increase the risk of hypernatremia and long-term sodium-related complications.
The Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) intake level of 2.3 grams of sodium daily indicates the intake at which it is believed that chronic disease risk increases for the apparently healthy population. Some medications contain high quantities of sodium. When used in conjunction with sodium supplements or high-sodium diets, the CDRR may be exceeded. Additionally, concomitant use may increase the risk for hypernatremia; this risk is highest in the elderly and people with other risk factors for electrolyte disturbances.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tolvaptan (Samsca)

Theoretically, concomitant use of tolvaptan with sodium might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Tolvaptan is a vasopressin receptor 2 antagonist that is used to increase sodium levels in patients with hyponatremia. Patients taking tolvaptan should use caution with the use of sodium salts such as sodium chloride.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Sodium full monograph & interactions

Iron13 drug types · 80 drugs

Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Iron might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and iron can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, iron containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Iron reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients that doses of bisphosphonates should be separated by at least two hours from doses of all other medications, including supplements such as iron. Divalent cations, including iron, can decrease absorption of bisphosphonates by forming insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Denosumab (Prolia, Others)

Administration of intravenous iron within one month of denosumab administration might increase the risk of severe hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia.
A case of severe hypocalcemia (albumin corrected calcium 6.88 mg/dL, ionized calcium 3.68 mg/dL) and hypophosphatemia (<0.5 mg/dL) with respiratory acidosis, QT interval prolongation, and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia was reported in a 76-year-old male who had received an iron polymaltose infusion within 2 weeks of a subcutaneous injection of denosumab. Serum parathyroid hormone was also elevated (348 pg/mL). Subsequent iron infusions with iron polymaltose and ferric carboxymaltose were followed by transient hypophosphatemia, but without hypocalcemia. Additionally, a literature review describes 6 additional cases of hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia in patients 52-92 years of age who had been administered intravenous iron as either ferric carboxymaltose or iron polymaltose and subcutaneous denosumab within 1-4 weeks of each other.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Iron might decrease dolutegravir levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking iron. Pharmacokinetic research shows that iron can decrease the absorption of dolutegravir from the gastrointestinal tract through chelation. When taken under fasting conditions, a single dose of ferrous fumarate 324 mg orally along with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces overall exposure to dolutegravir by 54%.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Integrase Inhibitors

Theoretically, taking iron along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Iron is a divalent cation. There is concern that iron may decrease the absorption of integrase inhibitors from the gastrointestinal tract through chelation. One pharmacokinetic study shows that iron can decrease blood levels of the specific integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation. Also, other pharmacokinetic research shows that other divalent cations such as calcium can decrease the absorption and levels of some integrase inhibitors through chelation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levodopa

Iron might decrease levodopa levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate doses of levodopa and iron as much as possible. There is some evidence in healthy people that iron forms chelates with levodopa, reducing the amount of levodopa absorbed by around 50%. The clinical significance of this hasn't been determined.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Iron might decrease levothyroxine levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate levothyroxine and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Iron can decrease the absorption and efficacy of levothyroxine by forming insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Methyldopa (Aldomet)

Iron might decrease methyldopa levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate methyldopa and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Iron can decrease the absorption of methyldopa from the gastrointestinal tract through chelation, resulting in increases in blood pressure.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Mycophenolate Mofetil (Cellcept)

Theoretically, iron might decrease mycophenolate mofetil levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to take iron 4-6 hours before, or 2 hours after, mycophenolate mofetil. It has been suggested that a decrease of absorption is possible, probably by forming nonabsorbable chelates. However, mycophenolate pharmacokinetics are not affected by iron supplementation in available clinical research.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

Iron might decrease penicillamine levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate penicillamine and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Oral iron supplements can reduce absorption of penicillamine by 30% to 70%, probably due to chelate formation. In people with Wilson's disease, this interaction has led to reduced efficacy of penicillamine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Iron might decrease levels of quinolone antibiotics by reducing their absorption.
Advise patients to separate quinolone antibiotics and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Iron decreases the absorption of quinolones due to formation of insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Iron might decrease levels of tetracycline antibiotics by reducing their absorption.
Advise patients to take iron at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after tetracycline antibiotics. Concomitant use can decrease absorption of tetracycline antibiotics from the gastrointestinal tract by 50% to 90%.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Chloramphenicol

Theoretically, taking chloramphenicol with iron might reduce the response to iron therapy in iron deficiency anemia.
Chloramphenicol interferes with erythrocyte maturation. However, since chloramphenicol isn't usually taken for prolonged periods, this isn't likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Iron full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Pure Hawaiian Spirulina, from the product label.

Nutrex Hawaii

See all Nutrex Hawaii products
Name
Nutrex Hawaii Inc.
City
Kailua-Kona
State
HI
ZipCode
96740
Phone Number
(800) 453-1187
Web Address
nutrex-hawaii.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Pure Hawaiian Spirulina by Nutrex Hawaii: Common Questions

Does Pure Hawaiian Spirulina by Nutrex Hawaii interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Pure Hawaiian Spirulina has a known interaction with 585 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Pure Hawaiian Spirulina contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this help my iron levels if I'm anemic?
The iron in this product is effective for iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease. However, you should have your iron levels checked by your doctor first to confirm you actually need supplementation, because too much iron can be harmful. If you do supplement, your doctor should guide your dose.
Is it safe to take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Iron is often recommended during pregnancy, but the dose should be guided by your prenatal care provider. Iron is generally considered acceptable while breastfeeding at appropriate doses, though you should confirm with your provider. We don't have enough safety data on spirulina during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so discuss this ingredient specifically with your doctor.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common side effects from iron are stomach upset—abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Spirulina may cause abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, or headache. Rare allergic reactions to spirulina have occurred.
Is spirulina safe to take regularly?
Spirulina appears well tolerated with regular use, but quality varies widely between brands and some products have been contaminated with toxins or heavy metals. Choose a reputable manufacturer and consider discussing long-term use with your doctor.
Why does this product contain sodium?
Sodium is an essential mineral your body needs for fluid balance and nerve function. However, this product contains added sodium, and high sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure and heart strain—so if you're watching your sodium intake or take blood pressure medication, be aware of it.
Can I take this with my blood pressure medication?
High sodium intake can reduce how well blood pressure medications work. Before taking this product alongside any blood pressure drug, check with your own doctor or pharmacist to see if the sodium content is a concern for your situation.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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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.

Pure Hawaiian Spirulina label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Pure Hawaiian Spirulina’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Iron

Interacts with 80 drugs

Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to make hemoglobin and carry oxygen in the blood. Supplements are mainly useful for treating or preventing iron deficiency and iron-deficiency an...

Read the full Iron monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Sodium

Interacts with 205 drugs

Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte your body needs to balance fluids, support nerves, and help muscles work. Most people in modern diets get more than enough—often too much—from...

Read the full Sodium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Blue-green Algae

Interacts with 327 drugs

Blue-green algae are nutrient-rich aquatic microorganisms (such as spirulina and Klamath Lake algae) taken as a supplement for energy, nutrition, and general wellness. Evidence for most heal...

Read the full Blue-green Algae monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Pure Hawaiian Spirulina'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.

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 132 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.

Iron 72 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Bruner AB, Joffe A, Duggan AK, et al. Randomized study of cognitive effects of iron supplementation in non- anaemic iron-deficient adolescent girls. Lancet 1996;348:992-6.
  3. Ullen H, Augustsson K, Gustavsson C, Steineck G. Supplementary iron intake and risk of cancer: reversed causality? Cancer Lett 1997;114:215-6.
  4. Reunanen A, Takkunen H, Knekt P, et al. Body iron stores, dietary iron intake and coronary heart disease mortality. J Intern Med 1995;238:223-30. PubMed
  5. Lund EK, Wharf SG, Fairweather-Tait SJ, Johnson IT. Oral ferrous sulfate supplements increase the free radical-generating capacity of feces from healthy volunteers. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:250-5.
  6. Rehman A, Collis CS, Yang M, et al. The effects of iron and vitamin C co-supplementation on oxidative damage to DNA in healthy volunteers. Biochem Biophys Res Comm 1998;246:293-8. PubMed
  7. Klipstein-Grobusch K, Grobbee DE, den Breeijen JH, et al. Dietary iron and risk of myocardial infarction in the Rotterdam Study. Am J Epidemiol 1999;149:421-8. PubMed
  8. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  9. Tatro DS, ed. Drug Interactions Facts. Facts and Comparisons Inc., St. Louis, MO. 1999.
  10. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  11. Campbell N, Paddock V, Sundaram R. Alteration of methyldopa absorption, metabolism, and blood pressure control by ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1988;43:381-6..
  12. Schumann K, Borch-Iohnsen B, Hentze MW, Marx JJ. Tolerable upper intakes for dietary iron set by the US Food and Nutrition Board (commentary). Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:499-500. PubMed
  13. Tuomainen TP, Punnonen K, Nyyssonen K, Salonen JT. Association between body iron stores and the risk of acute myocardial infarction in men. Circulation 1998;97:1461-6.. PubMed
  14. Salonen JT, Nyyssonen K, Korpela H, et al. High stored iron levels are associated with excess risk of myocardial infarction in Eastern Finnish men. Circulation 1992;86:803-11.. PubMed
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Sodium 38 references
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Blue-green Algae 22 references
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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.

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