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FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Spirulina

🌿 General questions about Spirulina

What exactly is spirulina?

Spirulina is a blue-green micro-algae (Spirulina platensis) that grows naturally in warm, alkaline waters.

At Spiruline du Rocher, we grow it on our aquaculture farm at Roquebrune-sur-Argens in the Var region, in a market-garden greenhouse using purified spring water.

Why choose French spirulina over imported spirulina?

French spirulina offers several major advantages:

  • Complete traceability: from cultivation to packaging

  • Optimum freshness: harvested and processed quickly

  • Controlled quality: compliance with strict French standards

  • Reduced environmental impact: no international shipping

  • Supporting the local economy: French small-scale farming

  • Smoother taste: thanks to optimal production conditions

What's the difference between artisanal and industrial spirulina?

Artisanal spirulina, like Spiruline du Rocher, is distinguished by :

  • Gentle drying at low temperatures (max. 42°C) to preserve all nutrients

  • Hand-picked at optimum ripeness

  • Small production runs guarantee quality

  • Rigorous control at every stage

  • Personalized attention from the producer

🥄 Dosage and Use

What is the correct daily dosage of spirulina?

Getting started :

Start gradually with 1g/day (i.e. 1/2 teaspoon of flakes or 2 tablets/capsules) for 3 days.

Optimum dosage :

  • Adults: 3 to 5g per day (1 teaspoon of flakes or 6 to 10 tablets/capsules)

  • Children: Half the adult dose (1.5 to 2.5g per day)

  • Athletes : Up to 10g per day depending on training intensity

Maximum dose :

5 grams per day maximum to avoid any inconvenience.

How do I start a spirulina cure?

  1. Week 1: 1g/day to acclimatize the body

  2. Week 2: 2-3g/day according to tolerance

  3. From 3rd week: optimal dose of 3-5g/day

This progression avoids minor discomforts such as digestive problems and headaches due to spirulina's detoxifying properties.

When to take spirulina during the day?

Highlights :

  • Morning: for a natural energy boost

  • Before meals: for better assimilation

  • Before exercise: 30 minutes before training

Avoid in the evening, as spirulina can have an energizing effect.

How long does a spirulina cure last?

  • Discovery cure: 1 month minimum

  • Classic cure: 2-3 months

  • Long cure: 6 months with a 1-month break

  • Continuous use: possible all year round, with occasional breaks

🍃 Shapes and Conservation

Paillettes, comprimés, gélules ou poudre : quelle forme choisir ?

Spiruline en paillettes (notre spécialité) :

  • Avantages : forme la plus naturelle, moins transformée, nutriments préservés

  • Utilisation : à saupoudrer sur les aliments, dans les smoothies

  • Goût : authentique, légèrement iodé

  • Biodisponibilité : excellente, absorption rapide

Spiruline en comprimés :

  • Avantages : pratique pour les déplacements, dosage précis

  • Utilisation : avec un verre d'eau pendant les repas

  • Conservation : plus longue durée de vie

  • Biodisponibilité : légèrement inférieure (compactage)

Spiruline en gélules :

  • Avantages : aucun goût, facile à avaler

  • Inconvénients : plus transformée, enveloppe souvent gélatineuse

  • Biodisponibilité : dépend du type de gélule

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Comment conserver la spiruline ?

  • Lieu : endroit sec, frais et à l'abri de la lumière

  • Température : température ambiante (éviter le réfrigérateur)

  • Récipient : dans son emballage d'origine hermétique

  • Durée : 2-3 ans pour les paillettes, 3 ans pour les comprimés

Peut-on cuisiner avec la spiruline ?

Oui, mais avec précautions :

  • Température : ne pas chauffer au-delà de 40°C pour préserver les nutriments

  • Ajout : en fin de cuisson ou dans les préparations froides

  • Recettes idéales : smoothies, yaourts, salades, vinaigrettes

💪 Benefits and Properties

What are the main benefits of spirulina?

Spirulina from Spiruline du Rocher is exceptionally rich in :

Protein: 60% whole plant protein Iron: ideal for combating fatigue and anaemia Vitamins: B12, A, E, B complex Minerals: calcium, potassium, magnesium Antioxidants: phycocyanin, beta-carotene Essential fatty acids: omega-6

Does spirulina really help against fatigue?

Yes! Spirulina fights fatigue thanks to :

  • Highly bioavailable iron: improves cell oxygenation

  • B vitamins: essential for energy metabolism

  • Complete proteins: support muscle recovery

  • Antioxidants: combat oxidative stress

Is spirulina suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Absolutely! Spirulina is one of the few plant foods containing :

  • Vitamin B12: essential and often deficient in vegans

  • Complete proteins: with all essential amino acids

  • Plant iron: well assimilated by the body

Special vegan tip: Spirulina does not completely replace B12 supplementation, but it is an excellent addition to a balanced plant-based diet.

Comparison with other supplements :

vs Iron supplements :

  • Spirulina contains 28mg of iron/100g, highly bioavailable

  • Advantage: no constipation, optimal natural absorption

  • Limitation: may not be sufficient in cases of severe deficiency

vs Protein powder :

  • 60% complete proteins (all essential amino acids)

  • Advantage: + vitamins, minerals, antioxidants

  • Limitation: lower quantity per dose (3-5g vs. 20-30g whey)

vs Multivitamins :

  • Vitamins B (especially B12), A, E, natural beta-carotene

  • Advantage: natural form, better assimilated

  • Limits: no vitamin D, C in limited quantities

Conclusion: Spirulina can complement, but rarely totally replace, other specific supplements in cases of proven deficiency.

Are there any drug interactions?

Important precautions :

  • Anticoagulants (Warfarin, Previscan): vitamin K may interfere → medical advice required

  • Immunosuppressants: spirulina stimulates the immune system → may reduce efficacy

  • Diabetes drugs: may potentiate hypoglycemic effect → monitor blood glucose levels

Minor interactions :

  • Antacids: may reduce absorption → 2h apart

  • Iron supplements: avoid double supplementation

Tip: always inform your doctor if you are taking chronic medication before starting spirulina.

Does spirulina help with sport?

Yes, spirulina is highly appreciated by athletes for :

  • Improve endurance: optimize muscle oxygenation

  • Speed up recovery: proteins and antioxidants

  • Reduce cramps: magnesium and potassium

  • Maintain muscle mass: quality protein intake

When do you start to feel the benefits of spirulina?

First effects :

  • Week 1-2: improved transit, slight energy boost

  • Week 3-4: noticeable reduction in fatigue, better sleep

  • Months 2-3: optimal effects on energy, immune system, hair/nails

Positive signs to look out for :

  • Easier to wake up in the morning

  • Fewer bouts of fatigue during the day

  • Better resistance to infection

  • Shinier hair, stronger nails

  • Enhanced sports performance

Important: effects vary from person to person, depending on initial state of health and regularity of intake.

How to optimize spirulina absorption?

Beneficial associations :

  • Vitamin C: orange juice, lemon → improves iron absorption

  • Light meal: yoghurt, smoothie → aids digestion

  • On an empty stomach: optimal absorption 30min before breakfast

To be avoided at all times:

  • Tea/coffee: tannins reduce iron absorption (wait 2h)

  • Large quantities of dairy products: calcium can limit iron absorption

  • Alcohol: neutralizes B vitamins

Expert advice: take your spirulina with half a lemon squeezed into a glass of water to maximize iron assimilation.

Artisanal vs. organic spirulina: what's the difference?

Artisanal Spirulina (like ours):

  • Method: manual production, small quantities, gentle drying

  • Quality: personalized control at every stage

  • Freshness: from harvest to packaging in 24-48 hours

  • Taste: sweeter, less earthy

Organic industrial Spirulina :

  • Certification: AB label but often mass production

  • Drying: sometimes at high temperatures (nutritional loss)

  • Origin: often imported despite French organic label

Our added value: artisanal spirulina + ecological approach = organic quality without certification (high cost for small producers) but more demanding methods than industrial organic.

👥 Testimonials and Results

What concrete results can we expect?

Frequent customer testimonials:

Energy and fatigue (85% of positive feedback) :

  • "More energy as soon as you wake up after 3 weeks".

  • "Disappearance of the 3 p.m. bar strikes".

  • "Better resistance to stress

Sport and recovery (75% of athletes):

  • "Faster recovery after training".

  • "Less aches and pains, more endurance".

  • "Improving running performance

Beauty and well-being (70% of women) :

  • "Shinier, less brittle hair".

  • "Nails strengthened in 6 weeks".

  • "Brighter complexion

Immune system (65% in winter) :

  • "Fewer colds since I started taking spirulina".

  • "Faster recovery from infection".

⚠️ Side effects and contraindications

Possible causes:

  • Insufficient dosage: less than 3g/day

  • Irregular intake: optimal effectiveness with daily regularity

  • Initial state of health: people already in excellent shape

  • Unrealistic expectations: spirulina is not a miracle drug

  • Product quality: poor-quality industrial spirulina

Solutions: gradually increase dosage, ensure daily intake, wait at least 2-3 months.

Are there any side effects to spirulina?

Side effects are generally minor and temporary, especially at the start of treatment:

Possible effects:

  • Digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps), fatigue, headaches, dizziness

  • Unusual stool color (greenish, normal)

  • Mild skin reactions

Solutions :

  • Reduce dosage temporarily

  • Increase hydration

  • Resume gradually

Who shouldn't eat spirulina?

Absolute contraindications:

  • Phenylketonuria (rare genetic disease)

  • Hemochromatosis (iron overload)

  • Severe renal failure

Special precautions :

  • Pregnant and breast-feeding women: medical advice recommended

  • People on anticoagulants: consult a doctor

  • Children under 3: not recommended

Does spirulina make you lose weight or gain weight?

Effect on weight:

Helps with weight loss:

  • Natural appetite suppressant: protein + fibre → feeling of fullness

  • Metabolic boost: iron + B vitamins activate metabolism

  • Healthy alternative to industrial snacks

  • Maintaining muscle mass: during a low-calorie diet

Risk of weight gain :

  • If taken in addition to an already excessive diet

  • Tablets with caloric excipients (rare)

Slimming tips :

  • Take 30min before meals with a large glass of water

  • Combine a balanced diet with physical activity

  • Dosage: 3-5g/day maximum

Fact: Spirulina facilitates weight loss, but does not make you lose weight on its own. It is an excellent support in an overall slimming program.

Can spirulina be taken during pregnancy?

Spirulina is not contraindicated during pregnancy, but it is recommended to :

  • Consult your doctor or midwife

  • Choose certified quality spirulina (like ours)

  • Start with small doses

  • Monitor your tolerance

Potential benefits: iron (frequent anemia), folic acid, proteins for fetal development Pregnancy dosage: 2-3g/day maximum, after medical approval Recommended ages :

  • 3-6 years: 1g/day (1/2 teaspoon of flakes)

  • 7-12 years: 1.5-2g/day

  • 13-18 years: 2-3g/day (progressive adult dose)

Benefits for children :

  • Growth: protein + calcium + iron

  • Concentration: B vitamins + iron to combat school fatigue

  • Immunity: antioxidants + vitamins

  • Difficult appetite: quality nutritional supplements

Recommended forms:

  • Flakes mixed with compote, yoghurt, smoothie

  • Avoid tablets (difficulty swallowing)

Precautions :

  • Start very gradually (1/4 dose)

  • Monitoring for digestive disorders

  • Pediatrician's opinion if medical treatment

🛒 Purchasing and Quality

How to recognize quality spirulina?

Spirulina du Rocher quality criteria :

  • French production with full traceability

  • Low-temperature drying (max. 42°C)

  • Intense blue-green color (sign of freshness)

  • Light marine scent without fishy odor

  • Fine texture for flakes, compact for tablets

  • Regular analyses (heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides)

Why does French spirulina cost more?

The price reflects :

  • High production costs: labor, strict standards

  • Superior quality: gentle drying, freshness

  • Traceability: regular checks, certifications

  • Environmental impact: local, eco-responsible production

  • Support for French agriculture

How much should I order to get started?

To discover: 100g of flakes or 200 tablets (1-month cure)

For a complete cure: 200g of flakes or 400 tablets/capsules (2-3 month cure).

Advantage: best price per gram for large quantities

📞 Contact and Customer Service

Comment nous contacter pour des questions spécifiques ?

Points de vente locaux dans le Var (83) et les Alpes Maritimes (06):

  • Marché Paysan de la Ferme de Lacquet - Tourrettes

  • Joseph Primeur - Saint-Aygulf

  • Naturshop l'Herboristerie - Saint-Raphaël

  • Direct à la ferme - Roquebrune-sur-Argens

La Ruche Qui Dit Oui - Disponible dans les villes suivantes :

  • Nice, Antibes, La Gaude, Sophia-Antipolis, Grasse

Avantages d'acheter directement chez nous :

  • Circuit court : achat direct producteur sans intermédiaire

  • Garantie fraîcheur et traçabilité totale

  • Conseil personnalisé de votre producteur

Proposez-vous des conseils personnalisés ?

Oui ! Patrice Valenti, votre producteur, est disponible pour :

  • Conseils de dosage selon vos besoins

  • Recommandations pour votre première cure

  • Questions sur nos méthodes de production

  • Suivi de votre cure de spiruline

Quelles sont les conditions de livraison ?

  • Zone de livraison : France, Belgique, Luxembourg, Pays-Bas, Allemagne, Espagne, Italie

  • Livraison gratuite :

    • À partir de 40€ en point relais

    • À partir de 80€ à domicile

  • Délais : livraison rapide (2-10 jours ouvrés)

  • Emballage : éco-responsable, protection optimale

  • Paiement sécurisé : CB, PayPal, Google Pay et Apple Pay

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Offre de bienvenue et promotions

  • Code WELCOME5 : -5% sur votre première commande

  • Programme de fidélité : gagnez des points à chaque achat pour des réductions exclusives

  • Newsletter : offres exclusives et conseils spiruline

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