[Microalgae Spirulina in human nutrition].

Spirulina microalgae (Spirulina platensis, Spirulina maxima, Spirulina fusiformis) is considered as a valuable additional food source of some macro- and micronutrients including high quality protein, iron, gamma-linolenic fatty acid, carotenoids, vitamins B1 and B2. In spite of Spirulina chemical composition varies widely when grown in open reservoirs its efficiency as an additional remedy in treatment and prophylaxis of different diseases is proved in a variety of experimental and clinical trials. During Spirulina cultivation in open reservoirs and especially in closed photobioreactors its biomass may be additionally enriched with some trace elements such as iron, iodine, selenium, zinc, copper, manganese and chromium in high bioavailable form. Said biomass is considered as a constituent of new bioactive food supplements.