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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 in Roquebrune-sur-Argens in the Var, in a market-garden greenhouse using purified spring water.

Why choose French spirulina rather than imported spirulina?

French spirulina offers several major advantages:

  • Full traceability: from cultivation to packaging

  • Optimum freshness: harvested and processed quickly

  • Controlled quality: compliance with strict French standards

  • Reduced environmental impact: no international transport

  • Support for the local economy: traditional French agriculture

  • Smoother taste: thanks to optimal production conditions

What's the difference between artisanal and industrial spirulina?

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

  • Gentle drying at low temperature (42°C max) to preserve all the nutrients

  • Manual harvesting at optimum maturity

  • Production in small quantities to guarantee quality

  • Rigorous controls at every stage

  • Personalised attention from the producer

🥄 Dosage and use

What is the correct daily dose of spirulina?

To start :

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 6to10 tablets/capsules)

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

  • Sportsmen and women : Up to 10g per day, depending on the intensity of training

Maximum dose :

5 grams per day maximum to avoid any discomfort.

How do I start a spirulina cure?

  1. Week 1: 1g/day to get your body used to it

  2. Week 2: 2-3g/day depending on tolerance

  3. from week 3: 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?

Best times :

  • In the morning: for a natural energy boost

  • Before meals: for better assimilation

  • Before sport: 30 minutes before training

avoid: in the evening, as spirulina can have an energising 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

Flakes, tablets, capsules or powder: which form should you choose?

Spirulina flakes (our speciality):

  • Advantages: most natural form, less processed, nutrients preserved

  • Use: sprinkle on food, in smoothies

  • Taste: authentic, slightly iodised

  • Bioavailability: excellent, rapid absorption

Spirulina tablets :

  • Advantages: practical when travelling, precise dosage

  • Use: with a glass of water during meals

  • Storage: longer shelf life

  • Bioavailability: slightly lower (compacting)

Spirulina capsules :

  • Advantages: no taste, easy to swallow

  • Disadvantages: more processed, often gelatinous envelope

  • Bioavailability: depends on the type of capsule

How should spirulina be stored?

  • Place: dry, cool place, away from light

  • Temperature: room temperature (avoid the fridge)

  • Container: in its original airtight packaging

  • Shelf life: 2-3 years for flakes, 3 years for tablets

Can you cook with spirulina?

Yes, but with a few precautions:

  • Temperature: do not heat above 40°C to preserve nutrients

  • Addition: at the end of cooking or in cold preparations

  • Ideal recipes: smoothies, yoghurts, salads, dressings, etc

💪 Benefits and Properties

What are the main benefits of spirulina?

Spirulina from Spiruline du Rocher is exceptionally rich in :

Proteins: 60% complete vegetable proteins 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 combat fatigue?

Yes! Spirulina combats 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 rare plant foods to contain :

  • Vitamin B12: essential and often lacking in vegans

  • Complete proteins: with all the 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, which is highly bioavailable

  • Advantage: no constipation, optimal natural absorption

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

vs Protein powder :

  • 60% complete protein (all essential amino acids)

  • Advantage: + vitamins, minerals, antioxidants

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

vs Multivitamins :

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

  • Advantage: natural form, better assimilated

  • Limitations: no vitamin D, C in limited quantities

Conclusion: Spirulina can supplement but rarely completely replace other specific supplements in the case of proven deficiencies.

Are there any interactions with medication?

Important precautions:

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

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

  • Diabetes medication: may potentiate the hypoglycaemic effect → monitor blood sugar levels

Minor interactions:

  • Antacids: may reduce absorption → space out by 2h

  • 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 much appreciated by sportspeople for :

  • Improve endurance: optimised oxygenation of muscles

  • Speed up recovery: proteins and antioxidants

  • Reduce cramp: magnesium and potassium

  • Maintain muscle mass: high-quality protein intake

when do you start to feel the benefits of spirulina?

First effects :

  • Week 1-2: improved digestion, 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 and stronger nails

  • Improved sporting performance

Important: the effects vary according to the individual, the initial state of health and the regularity of intake.

How can I optimise the absorption of spirulina?

Beneficial combinations :

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

  • Light meal: yoghurt, smoothie → aids digestion

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

avoid at the same time:

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

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

  • Alcohol: neutralises B vitamins

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

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

Artisanal spirulina (like ours):

  • Method: manual production, small quantities, gentle drying

  • Quality: personalised control at every stage

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

  • Taste: milder, less earthy

Organic industrial Spirulina :

  • Certification: AB label but often mass-produced

  • Drying: sometimes at high temperature (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 testimonials from our customers:

energy and fatigue (85% of positive feedback):

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

  • "Disappearance of the 3pm fatigue blues".

  • "Better resistance to stress".

Sport and recovery (75% of sportsmen and women):

  • "Faster recovery after training".

  • "Fewer aches and pains, more endurance".

  • "Improved running performance

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

  • "Shinier hair with less breakage".

  • "Stronger nails in 6 weeks".

  • "Brighter complexion

Immune system (65% in winter):

  • "Fewer colds since taking spirulina".

  • "Faster recovery from infections".

⚠️ 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 with spirulina?

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

Possible effects :

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

  • Unusual stool colour (greenish, normal)

  • Mild skin reactions

Solutions:

  • Reduce dosage temporarily

  • Increase hydration

  • Resume gradually

Who should not consume spirulina?

Absolute contraindications :

  • Phenylketonuria (rare genetic disease)

  • Haemochromatosis (iron overload)

  • Severe renal insufficiency

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 weight loss:

  • Natural appetite suppressant effect: protein + fibre → feeling of satiety

  • Metabolic boost: iron + B vitamins activate the metabolism

  • Healthy substitute: replaces industrial snacks

  • Maintains muscle mass: during a low-calorie diet

Risk of weight gain :

  • If taken in addition to an already excessive diet

  • Tablets with high-calorie excipients (rare)

Slimming advice :

  • Take 30 minutes before a meal with a large glass of water

  • Combine with a balanced diet and 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 for an overall slimming programme.

Can spirulina be taken during pregnancy?

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

  • Consult your doctor or midwife

  • Choose a certified quality spirulina (like ours)

  • Start with small doses

  • Monitor tolerance

Potential benefits: iron (frequent anaemia), folic acid, proteins for foetal development Dosage for pregnancy: 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

  • Poor appetite: quality nutritional supplement

Recommended forms:

  • Flakes mixed with compote, yoghurt, smoothie

  • avoid tablets (difficulty swallowing)

Precautions :

  • Start very gradually (1/4 dose)

  • Monitor for any digestive problems

  • Pediatrician's opinion if medical treatment

🛒 Purchasing and Quality

How to recognise quality spirulina?

Spiruline du Rocher quality criteria :

  • French production with full traceability

  • Low temperature drying (42°C max)

  • Intense green-blue colour (sign of freshness)

  • Light marine odour with no fishy smell

  • Fine texture for the flakes, compact for the tablets

  • Regular analyses (heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides)

Why does French spirulina cost more?

The price reflects :

  • High production costs: labour, strict standards

  • Superior quality: gentle drying, freshness

  • Traceability: regular checks, certification

  • 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 course)

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

Advantage: best price per gram for larger quantities

📞 Contact and Customer Service

How can you contact us with specific questions?

Local sales outlets in the Var (83) and 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 - Available in the following towns:

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

Advantages of buying direct from us:

  • Short supply chain: buy direct from the producer with no intermediaries

  • Guaranteed freshness and full traceability

  • Personalised advice from your producer

Do you offer personalised advice?

Yes, Patrice Valenti, your producer, is available for :

  • Dosage advice to suit your needs

  • Recommendations for your first course of treatment

  • Questions about our production methods

  • Follow-up on your spirulina cure

What are the delivery conditions?

  • Delivery zone: France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy

  • Free delivery :

    • from €40 in a relay point

    • from €80 at home

  • Delivery times: fast delivery (2-10 working days)

  • Packaging: eco-responsible, optimal protection

  • Secure payment: credit card, PayPal, Google Pay and Apple Pay

Welcome offer and promotions

  • Code WELCOME5: -5% off your first order

  • Loyalty programme : earn points with every purchase for exclusive discounts

  • Newsletter: exclusive offers and spirulina advice

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