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Dietary supplement

Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by California Gold Nutrition

Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex is a dietary supplement by California Gold Nutrition with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for general nutrition and energy, antioxidant support, cholesterol and metabolic health.Based on those ingredients, 1,143 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Spirulina Astaxanthin Complex Blend. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex by California Gold Nutrition

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

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • “Spirulina Astaxanthin Complex Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 7 active ingredients working as antioxidants and nutrient sources. Chlorophyll is the green pigment from plants; astaxanthin (listed twice in the formula) is a red carotenoid from algae; spirulina is a blue-green algae rich in protein and minerals; phycocyanin (also listed twice) is a protein pigment from spirulina; and Total Carotenoids round out the blend.

The product also contains inactive ingredients—hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (a capsule binder), natural vanilla flavor, and silicon dioxide (an anti-caking agent).

Does it work?

Moderate 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.

Moderate

Some 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: Hypertension — rated "Possibly Effective" (Blue-green Algae) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for effectiveness is not established in the data we hold. Chlorophyll, astaxanthin, and phycocyanin all carry ratings of insufficient reliable evidence for their intended uses—whether for skin health, eye health, cognitive function, or other benefits.

Spirulina is rated possibly effective for high blood pressure, but the other claims about it also lack sufficient evidence. None of these ingredients have solid proof they work for what this supplement advertises.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Blue-green Algae Chlorophyll Astaxanthin

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.

Chlorophyll is generally well tolerated in short-term use, but long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effect is photosensitization (sun sensitivity), and in rare cases, pseudoporphyria (blistering) has been reported.

Astaxanthin appears well tolerated in studies, though abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools have occurred at higher doses, and long-term safety data are limited. Spirulina is generally well tolerated but can cause abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, headache, nausea, and rarely allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.

A key concern: spirulina products can be contaminated with toxins or heavy metals depending on their source and quality. Avoid this product during pregnancy—there is not enough safety data for chlorophyll or astaxanthin in pregnancy.

Similarly, avoid during breastfeeding unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Blue-green Algae Chlorophyll Astaxanthin

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 — Chlorophyll, Blue-green Algae, Astaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,144 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.

Check before taking this product if you use photosensitizing drugs (medications that increase sun sensitivity), methotrexate, drugs metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4 (statins, many blood pressure and heart medications), drugs metabolized by CYP2B6 (some antidepressants and antiretrovirals), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or aspirin, immunosuppressants, or diabetes medications. These are the medication types with documented or theoretical Moderate interactions.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This is an antioxidant blend best suited for someone with no significant drug interactions and a desire to experiment with algae-based nutrients. If you take any prescription medications—especially blood thinners, diabetes drugs, immunosuppressants, or drugs processed by your liver—check with your pharmacist first.

Pregnant women and those breastfeeding should avoid it. The evidence that it actually works for its intended benefits is not established.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 14, 2023.

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 Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand California Gold Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) 898220018598
Net contents 180 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 14, 2023
DSLD ID 299706
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy 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 Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex by California Gold Nutrition, 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:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
898220018598
IngredientAmount% DV
Chlorophyll7 mg--
Astaxanthin200 mcg--
Astaxanthin0 NP--
Spirulina0 NP--
Phycocyanin0 NP--
Phycocyanin120 mg--
Total Carotenoids2 mg--
Spirulina Astaxanthin Complex Blend1 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, natural Vanilla flavor, Silicon Dioxide

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

Suggested Usage: Take 2 tablets daily, with food. Best when taken as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Precautions

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant or lactating women, the chronically ill, elderly, individuals under the age of 18, those taking prescription medications (e.g., blood thinners) as well as those with a physician-diagnosed medical condition should consult with a physician, pharmacist, naturopath or other qualified healthcare professional prior to taking dietary supplements.

Pregnant or lactating women, the chronically ill, elderly, individuals under the age of 18, those taking prescription medications (e.g., blood thinners) as well as those with a physician-diagnosed medical condition should consult with a physician, pharmacist, naturopath or other qualified healthcare professional prior to taking dietary supplements.

Sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is missing or broken.

This product is not manufactured with milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy or gluten. Produced in a third-party, audited and registered cGMP compliant facility that may process other products that contain these allergens or ingredients.

Storage

Best stored at controlled room temperature 20 degrees C to 25 degrees C (68 degrees F to 77 degrees F). Improper storage conditions, such as extended exposure to direct sunlight, high heat & humidity can cause product degradation over time.

Formulation

Our Organic Spirulina, Phycocyanin, and Astaxanthin are sourced from Parry Nutraceuticals.

Formulated to contain No Gluten No GMOs No Soy

This product is not manufactured with milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy or gluten.

Formula

Our Organic Spirulina, Phycocyanin, and Astaxanthin are sourced from Parry Nutraceuticals.

Brand IP Statement(s)

California Gold Nutrition is a registered trademark of Madre Labs, LLC

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex by California Gold Nutrition label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex by California Gold Nutrition

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Spirulina Astaxanthin Complex Blend

Interacts with
327 drugs
1 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 Astaxanthin Complex Blend monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Natural Vanilla flavor, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex by California Gold Nutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex?

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
1,143Drugs
1,143 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex 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.

Spirulina Astaxanthin Complex Blend3 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex, from the product label.

California Gold Nutrition

See all California Gold Nutrition products
Name
Madre Labs, LLC
Street Address
301 N. Lake Ave., #600
City
Pasadena
State
CA
ZipCode
91101
Web Address
www.calgn.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex by California Gold Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex by California Gold Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex has a known interaction with 1,143 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, you should avoid this product in pregnancy—there isn't enough safety data for chlorophyll or astaxanthin. During breastfeeding, safety is also unknown, so avoid unless your doctor says otherwise. Talk with your OB or midwife before taking it.
What are the most common side effects?
From spirulina, you might experience abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, headache, or nausea. From astaxanthin at higher doses, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools have been reported. Chlorophyll can cause photosensitization (sun sensitivity). Most people tolerate it, but side effects aren't rare.
Is this product tested for purity?
The product facts don't detail the testing or quality controls used. Spirulina products in general can be contaminated with toxins or heavy metals depending on where and how they're grown, so quality varies. Ask the manufacturer or supplier about their testing practices.
Will this help my skin or energy?
The evidence isn't established in our data. Astaxanthin and chlorophyll are promoted for aging skin, and spirulina for energy, but these claims lack sufficient reliable evidence to confirm they work.
What is phycocyanin and what does it do?
Phycocyanin is a blue protein pigment from spirulina. It's included as an antioxidant in this blend, but we don't have interaction data for it and the evidence for its effectiveness is not established in our records.
Can I take this long-term?
Long-term safety data are limited for both chlorophyll and astaxanthin, so we can't say it's safe to use indefinitely. Talk with your pharmacist about how long it's reasonable to take it.

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

Not sure if Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

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.

Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Spirulina & Astaxanthin Blue Complex'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 30 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.

Chlorophyll 5 references
  1. Mathews-Roth MM. Carotenoids in erythropoietic protoporphyria and other photosensitivity diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1993; 691:127-38. PubMed
  2. Belen'kii, G. B. and Krikun, B. L. [Treatment of herpes simplex and herpes zoster by chlorophyll preparations]. Sov.Med. 1971;34(1):151-152.
  3. Brooks SL, Sanders J, Seymour JF, Mellor JD. A case of delayed methotrexate clearance following administration of a complementary medication containing chlorophyll. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2014 Jun;20(3):225-8. PubMed
  4. Rossi E, Borchard K, Cole JM. Pseudoporphyria following self-medication with chlorophyll. Australas J Dermatol. 2015 Feb;56(1):47-8. PubMed
  5. Zhao CY, Frew JW, Muhaidat J, et al. Chlorophyll-induced pseudoporphyria with ongoing photosensitivity after cessation - a case series of four patients. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2016;30(7):1239-42. PubMed

See these in context on the Chlorophyll monograph →

Astaxanthin 3 references
  1. Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, et al. Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled
  2. Kistler, A., Liechti, H., Pichard, L., Wolz, E., Oesterhelt, G., Hayes, A., and Maurel, P. Metabolism and CYP-inducer properties of astaxanthin in man and primary human hepatocytes. Arch.Toxicol. 2002;75(11-12):665-675. PubMed
  3. Choi HD, Youn YK, Shin WG. Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2011;66:363-369. PubMed

See these in context on the Astaxanthin monograph →

Blue-green Algae 22 references
  1. 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.
  2. Iwasa M, Yamamoto M, Tanaka Y, et al. Spirulina-associated hepatotoxicity. Am J Gastroenterol 2002;97:3212-13. PubMed
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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

See these in context on the Blue-green Algae monograph →

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

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