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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Spirulina

🌿 General Questions about Spirulina

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What exactly is spirulina?

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

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

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Why choose French spirulina over imported spirulina?

French spirulina offers several major advantages:

  • Complete traceability: from cultivation to packaging

  • Optimal freshness: harvested and processed quickly

  • Quality control: compliance with strict French standards

  • Reduced environmental impact: no international transport

  • Support for the local economy: French artisanal agriculture

  • Sweeter taste: thanks to optimal production conditions

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What is the difference between artisanal and industrial spirulina?

Artisanal spirulina, such as Spiruline du Rocher, is distinguished by:

  • Gentle drying at low temperatures (42°C max) preserving all nutrients

  • Manual harvesting at optimal maturity

  • Small-scale production to guarantee quality

  • Rigorous control at every stage

  • Personalised attention from the producer

🥄 Dosage and Use

What is the correct daily dosage of spirulina?

To start with:

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

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Optimal 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 dosage:

5 grams per day maximum to avoid any discomfort.

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How to start a spirulina treatment?

  1. Week 1: 1g/day to allow the body to adjust

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

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

This progression avoids minor discomforts such as digestive problems and headaches caused by the detoxifying properties of spirulina.

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When should spirulina be taken during the day?

Best times:

  • In the morning: for a natural energy boost

  • Before meals: for better absorption

  • Before exercise: 30 minutes before training

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

How long does a spirulina treatment last?

  • Introductory course: minimum 1 month

  • Standard course: 2-3 months

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

  • Continuous use: possible all year round with occasional breaks

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🍃 Shapes and Preservation

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

Spirulina flakes (our speciality):

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

  • Use: sprinkle on food or add to smoothies

  • Taste: authentic, slightly salty

  • Bioavailability: excellent, rapid absorption

Spirulina tablets:

  • Advantages: convenient for travelling, precise dosage

  • Use: with a glass of water during meals

  • Storage: longer shelf life

  • Bioavailability: slightly lower (compaction)

Spirulina capsules:

  • Advantages: no taste, easy to swallow

  • Disadvantages: more processed, often gelatinous coating

  • Bioavailability: depends on the type of capsule

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How should spirulina be stored?

  • Location: dry, cool place away from light

  • Temperature: room temperature (avoid refrigeration)

  • Container: in its original airtight packaging

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

Can spirulina be used in cooking?

Yes, but with caution:

  • 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, salad dressings

💪 Benefits and Properties

What are the main benefits of spirulina?

Spirulina from Spiruline du Rocher is exceptionally rich in:

Protein: 60% complete vegetable 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 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

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Is spirulina suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Absolutely! Spirulina is one of the few plant-based foods that contains:

  • Vitamin B12: essential and often deficient in vegans

  • Complete proteins: with all essential amino acids

  • Plant-based iron: easily absorbed by the body

Special advice for vegans: Spirulina is not a complete replacement for 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 powders:

  • 60% complete protein (all essential amino acids)

  • Advantage: + vitamins, minerals, antioxidants

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

vs Multivitamins:

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

  • Advantage: natural form, better absorbed

  • Limitation: no vitamin D, limited amount of vitamin C

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

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Are there any interactions with medicines?

Important precautions:

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

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

  • Diabetes medications: may increase the hypoglycaemic effect → monitor blood sugar levels

Minor interactions:

  • Antacids: may reduce absorption → take 2 hours apart

  • Iron supplements: avoid double supplementation

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

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Does spirulina help with sports?

Yes, spirulina is very popular with athletes for:

  • Improving endurance: optimised oxygenation of muscles

  • Speeding up recovery: proteins and antioxidants

  • Reducing cramps: magnesium and potassium

  • Maintaining muscle mass: high-quality protein intake

When will you start to feel the benefits of spirulina?

Initial effects:

  • Weeks 1-2: improved digestion, slight increase in energy

  • Weeks 3-4: noticeable reduction in fatigue, improved 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 energy slumps during the day

  • Better resistance to infections

  • Shinier hair, stronger nails

  • Improved athletic performance

Important: effects vary depending on the individual, initial state of health and regularity of intake.

How can spirulina absorption be optimised?

Beneficial combinations:

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

  • Light meal: yoghurt, smoothie → aids digestion

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

Avoid at the same time:

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

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

  • Alcohol: neutralises B vitamins

Expert advice: take your spirulina with half a squeezed lemon in 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

Industrial organic 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 methods that are more demanding than industrial organic production.

👥 Testimonials and Results

What results can we expect in concrete terms?

Frequent testimonials from our clients:

Energy and fatigue (85% of positive feedback):

  • "More energy as soon as I wake up after 3 weeks"

  • "No more afternoon slumps at 3 p.m."

  • "Better resistance to stress"

Sport and recovery (75% of athletes):

  • "Faster recovery after training"

  • "Less muscle soreness, more endurance"

  • "Improved running performance"

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

  • "Shinier, less brittle hair"

  • "Stronger nails in 6 weeks"

  • "More radiant complexion"

Immune system (65% in winter):

  • "Fewer colds since I started 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 cure

  • Product quality: poor quality industrial spirulina

Solutions: gradually increase the 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 beginning of treatment:

Possible effects:

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

  • Unusual stool colour (greenish, normal)

  • Mild skin reactions

Solutions:

  • Temporarily reduce dosage

  • Increase hydration

  • Resume gradually

Who should not consume spirulina?

Absolute contraindications:

  • Phenylketonuria (rare genetic disorder)

  • Haemochromatosis (iron overload)

  • Severe renal failure

Special precautions:

  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women: medical advice recommended

  • People taking anticoagulants: consult a doctor

  • Children under 3 years of age: not recommended

Does spirulina make you lose 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 substitute: replaces processed snacks

  • Maintains 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)

Advice for weight loss:

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

  • Combine with a balanced diet and physical activity

  • Dosage: 3-5g/day maximum

Fact: Spirulina aids weight loss but does not cause weight loss on its own. It is an excellent support in an overall weight loss programme.

Can spirulina be taken during pregnancy?

Spirulina is not contraindicated during pregnancy, but it is recommended that you:

  • Consult your doctor or midwife

  • Choose a certified quality spirulina (such as ours)

  • Start with small doses

  • Monitor your tolerance

Potential benefits: iron (common anaemia), folic acid, proteins for foetal development Dosage during 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 fatigue at school

  • Immunity: antioxidants + vitamins

  • Picky eaters: high-quality nutritional supplement

Recommended forms:

  • Flakes mixed with compote, yoghurt, smoothies

  • Avoid tablets (difficulty swallowing)

Precautions:

  • Start very gradually (1/4 dose)

  • Monitor for any digestive problems

  • Consult paediatrician if undergoing medical treatment

🛒 Purchase and Quality

How can you recognise high-quality spirulina?

Spiruline du Rocher quality criteria:

  • French production with full traceability

  • Low-temperature drying (42°C max)

  • Intense blue-green colour (sign of freshness)

  • Slight marine odour without fishy smell

  • Fine texture for flakes, compact for tablets

  • Regular analyses (heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides)

Why is French spirulina more expensive?

The price reflects:

  • High production costs: labour, strict standards

  • Superior quality: gentle drying, freshness

  • Traceability: regular checks, certifications

  • Environmental impact: local, eco-friendly production

  • Support for French agriculture

How much should you order to start with?

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

For a full course of treatment: 200g of flakes or 400 tablets/capsules (2-3 month course)

Advantage: better price per gram for large quantities

📞 Contact and Customer Service

How can you contact us with specific questions?

Local points of sale in the Var (83) and Alpes Maritimes (06) departments:

  • Paysan Market at Lacquet Farm - 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 directly from us:

  • Short supply chain: buy directly from the producer with no middlemen

  • Guaranteed freshness and full traceability

  • Personalised advice from your producer

Do you offer personalised advice?

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

  • Advice on dosage according to your needs

  • Recommendations for your first treatment

  • Questions about our production methods

  • Follow-up on your spirulina treatment

What are the delivery terms?

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

  • Free delivery:

    • From £40 to a pick-up point

    • From £80 to your home

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

  • Packaging: eco-friendly, optimal protection

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

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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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