{"id":25,"date":"2023-12-16T14:10:29","date_gmt":"2023-12-16T05:10:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hbw100938ode.smartrelease.jp\/wp\/?page_id=25"},"modified":"2025-12-16T21:30:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T12:30:10","slug":"spirulina","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/spirulina\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Spirulina?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"pagetitle\">\n    <div class=\"inner\">\n        <div class=\"bread\">\n            <span>\n                <span><a href=\"\/en\/ \">HOME<\/a><\/span> &gt;\n                <span><a href=\"\/en\/info\/\">Learn and Enjoy<\/a><\/span> &gt;\n                <span class=\"breadcrumb_last\">What is Spirulina?<\/span>\n            <\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <h1>Spirulina<\/h1>\n        <div class=\"pagevisual\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina1.jpg\" alt=\"What is Spirulina?\">\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section>\n    <div class=\"inner2\">\n        <h2 class=\"h2\">What is Spirulina?<\/h2>\n        Spirulina emerged around 3 billion years ago and is a resilient &#8216;algae&#8217; that thrives in high-temperature, highly alkaline environments. Its well-balanced nutritional components have garnered attention, leading to its use in a wide range of fields.<br>\n        <br><br><br>\n        <h3 class=\"h3\"> Why is it named &#8220;Spirulina,&#8221;  Why is it often referred to as the king of superfoods? <\/h3>\n        <div class=\"grid _2col\" style=\"margin-top: 0;\">\n            <div class=\"child\">\n\t\tSpirulina is a type of edible blue-green algae, considered one of the oldest plants on Earth, having appeared around 3 billion years ago. Under a microscope, it appears as a spiral shape, which is why its name is derived from the Latin word &#8216;Spira,&#8217; meaning &#8216;twisted&#8217; or &#8216;spiral&#8217; in English.<br>\n                Spirulina, often referred to as the king of superfoods, boasts over 50 types of health and nutritional benefits. Its well-balanced nutritional components have garnered attention and are utilized in a wide range of fields, including:<br>\n                <br>\n                1) Nutritional supplements<br>\n                2) Food ingredients<br>\n                3) Food coloring<br>\n                4) Animal feed<br>\n                5) Cosmetics<br>\n                <br>\n                Today, it is recognized as one of the most widely produced algae in the world.<br>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"child\">\n                <figure>\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina2.jpg\" alt=\"The World's First Successful Mass Production of Spirulina\">\n                    <figcaption><center>Spirulina: Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis<br>Scientific classification: Cyanophyceae (class), Nostocales (order), Oscillatoriaceae (family), Spirulina (genus)<\/center><\/figcaption>\n                  <\/figure>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<br>\n        <h3 class=\"h3\">DIC, as the World&#8217;s first sucessful mass cultivator of Spirulina <\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid _2col\" style=\"margin-top: 0;\">\n            <div class=\"child\">\nDIC began researching Spirulina in 1970 and, in 1977, became the first in the world to successfully mass-produce Spirulina under controlled cultivation. As a pioneer in the Spirulina industry, DIC has been conducting research for over 50 years.\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"child\">\n                <figure>\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina-powder-en_main_01.jpg\" alt=\"\u4e16\u754c\u3067\u6700\u3082\u591a\u304f\u751f\u7523\u3055\u308c\u3066\u3044\u308b\u300c\u85fb\u985e\u300d\u30b9\u30d4\u30eb\u30ea\u30ca\">\n                    <figcaption><center>Spirulina Powder<\/center><\/figcaption>\n                  <\/figure>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"tar\">\n                <a href=\"\/en\/healthcare\/biotechnology\/#anc1\" class=\"tar txt_link\">For more information on cultivation technologies, click here <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n<br><br><br>\n        <h3 class=\"h3\">The Excellent Nutritional Balance of Spirulina<\/h3>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina-feature1.jpg\" alt=\"\u30b9\u30d4\u30eb\u30ea\u30ca\u306e\u512a\u308c\u305f\u6804\u990a\u30d0\u30e9\u30f3\u30b9\">\n<br><br><br>\n        <h3 class=\"h3\">An ideal balanced food with over 50 types of health and nutritional components!<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"frame_bl\" style=\"margin-top: 0;\">\n            <div class=\"grid _3col\" style=\"margin: 0;\">\n                <div class=\"child\">\n                <div class=\"lead_text\" style=\"color:#40676D;\">Amino Acids<\/div>\n                Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Cystine, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine, Histidine, Arginine, Alanine, Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Proline, Serine\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"child\">\n                <div class=\"lead_text\" style=\"color:#40676D;\">Vitamins<\/div>\n                \t\u03b2-Carotene (Provitamin A), Vitamin B<sub>1<\/sub>, Vitamin B<sub>2<\/sub>, Vitamin B<sub>6<\/sub>, Vitamin B<sub>12<\/sub>, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, Folic Acid\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"child\">\n                <div class=\"lead_text\" style=\"color:#40676D;\">Carbohydrates<\/div>\n                Sugars, Dietary Fiber\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"child\">\n                    <div class=\"lead_text\" style=\"color:#40676D;\">Minerals<\/div>\n                    Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Copper, Manganese, Zinc, Cobalt, Sulfur, Chromium\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"child\">\n                    <div class=\"lead_text\" style=\"color:#40676D;\">Lipids<\/div>\n                    Linoleic Acid, \u03b3-Linolenic Acid\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"child\">\n                    <div class=\"lead_text\" style=\"color:#40676D;\">Other Health Components<\/div>\n                    Inositol, Phycocyanin, Zeaxanthin, Chlorophyll a, Nucleic Acids, SOD (Superoxide Dismutase)\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <figure>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/spirulina-feature2_re2_en.jpg\" alt=\"\u305d\u306e\u4ed6\u306e\u5065\u5eb7\u6210\u5206\">\n          <\/figure>\n<br>\n<h3 class=\"h3\">Japan&#8217;s First!<sup>\u203b<\/sup>Moisturizing Ingredient Derived from Spirulina &#8211; Phycocyanin.<\/h3>\n  <div class=\"grid _2col\" style=\"margin-top: 0;\">\n            <div class=\"child\">\nSpirulina contains phycocyanin, which is a vibrant blue<br> \npigment and the main protein of spirulina.It is known for<br>\nits antioxidant properties.<br> \nDIC conducted human clinical trials and confirmed that it enhances the skin&#8217;s barrier function (moisturizing ability) and protects skin hydration.<br>\n<small>\u203bThis is the first time in Japan that a functional claim has been made using ingredients derived from spirulina as functional components.<\/small>\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000<\/div>\n            <div class=\"child\">\n                <figure>\n<a href=\"\/healthcare\/natural\/phycocyanin\/\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/\u30d5\u30a3\u30b3\u30b7\u30a2\u30cb\u30f3\u30d1\u30a6\u30c0\u30fc.png\" alt=\"\u30d5\u30a3\u30b3\u30b7\u30a2\u30cb\u30f3\u30d1\u30a6\u30c0\u30fc\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"common_btns\">\n    <a href=\"\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/phycocyanin\/\" class=\"btn_link2 _wide\">Phycocyanin<\/a>\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000<\/div>\n<br>\n<h3 class=\"h3\">The King of Superfoods: Spirulina<br>&#8220;Superfood&#8221;,the wisdom of beauty and health from California<\/h3>\n\nSuperfoods, Already Popular Among Overseas Celebrities<br>\nSuperfoods are foods that are nutritionally balanced and have higher nutritional value than typical foods.<br>\nThey may also contain significantly higher amounts of certain nutrients or health components.<br>\nAdditionally, superfoods are considered to be somewhere between regular foods and supplements, serving both as ingredients in cooking and as health foods. (Definition of superfoods)<br>\n<br>\nSpirulina is one of the most prominent superfoods, even being selected as one of the &#8220;Top 10 Primary Superfoods.&#8221;\n<br>\n\n\n<div class=\"grid _2col\">\n    <div class=\"child\">\n        <div class=\"frame_bl\" data-mh=\"mh\">\n            <strong>Top 10 Primary Superfoods<\/strong>\n            <div class=\"grid _3col small\" style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 0;line-height: 1.2;grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);\">\n                <div class=\"child\" >\n                    <div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center;\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina-feature_check.png\" alt=\"\u30c1\u30a7\u30c3\u30af\" style=\"margin-right: 5px;\">\n                        <span>Spirulina<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; margin-top: 10px;\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina-feature_check.png\" alt=\"\u30c1\u30a7\u30c3\u30af\" style=\"margin-right: 5px;\">\n                        <span>Broccoli<br>Super Sprouts<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; margin-top: 10px;\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina-feature_check.png\" alt=\"\u30c1\u30a7\u30c3\u30af\" style=\"margin-right: 5px;\">\n                        <span>Camu Camu<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; margin-top: 10px;\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina-feature_check.png\" alt=\"\u30c1\u30a7\u30c3\u30af\" style=\"margin-right: 5px;\">\n                        <span>Hemp Seeds<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"child\" >\n                    <div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center;\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina-feature_check.png\" alt=\"\u30c1\u30a7\u30c3\u30af\" style=\"margin-right: 5px;\">\n                        <span>Goji Berries<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; margin-top: 10px;\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina-feature_check.png\" alt=\"\u30c1\u30a7\u30c3\u30af\" style=\"margin-right: 5px;\">\n                        <span>Cacao<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; margin-top: 10px;\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina-feature_check.png\" alt=\"\u30c1\u30a7\u30c3\u30af\" style=\"margin-right: 5px;\">\n                        <span>Chia Seeds<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"child\" >\n                    <div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center;\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina-feature_check.png\" alt=\"\u30c1\u30a7\u30c3\u30af\" style=\"margin-right: 5px;\">\n                        <span>A\u00e7a\u00ed<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; margin-top: 10px;\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina-feature_check.png\" alt=\"\u30c1\u30a7\u30c3\u30af\" style=\"margin-right: 5px;\">\n                        <span>Maca<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; margin-top: 10px;\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina-feature_check.png\" alt=\"\u30c1\u30a7\u30c3\u30af\" style=\"margin-right: 5px;\">\n                        <span>Coconut<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<small>Source: Japan Superfoods Association<\/small>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <div class=\"child\">\n        <figure>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina-feature3.jpg\" alt=\"\u30d7\u30e9\u30a4\u30de\u30ea\u30fc\u30b9\u30fc\u30d1\u30fc\u30d5\u30fc\u30c9\">\n          <\/figure>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n         <h3 class=\"h3\">Characteristics of Spirulina<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"frame_bl\" data-mh=\"mh\" style=\"margin-top: 0;\">\n            <strong class=\"lead_text gr\">1: Rich in Protein with a Balanced Amino Acid Profile<\/strong><br>\n            Spirulina contains a high protein content of 55-70%. For reference, the protein content of other protein-rich foods is as follows: tofu 5%, milk 3%, processed cheese 23%, and ground beef 19%. This shows that Spirulina has a significantly high protein content.<br>\n            <br>\n            <strong class=\"lead_text gr\">2: Contains Approximately 4-8% Dietary Fiber<\/strong><br>\n            Dietary fiber is a general term for polysaccharides that are difficult to digest by digestive enzymes. Spirulina&#8217;s dietary fiber content is about 4-8%, with more than 40% of it being water-soluble indigestible polysaccharides.<br>\n            <br>\n            <strong class=\"lead_text gr\">3: Contains Plant Pigments such as Chlorophyll, Carotenoids, and Phycocyanin<\/strong><br>\n            The pigments in Spirulina can be broadly categorized into three types: chlorophyll (green pigment), carotenoids such as \u03b2-carotene and zeaxanthin (orange-yellow pigments), and Spirulina-specific pigment phycocyanin (blue pigment). When mixed, these pigments give Spirulina its unique dark green color. \u03b2-Carotene is known for its nutritional function as provitamin A. Phycocyanin, which gives a vivid blue color, is used as a plant-derived blue colorant in products like gum and frozen desserts.<br>\n            <br>\n\n           <strong class=\"lead_text gr\">4: Rich in \u03b2-Carotene and B Vitamins<\/strong><br>\n            \u03b2-Carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A, also known as Provitamin A, which converts to Vitamin A as needed in the body) can be consumed at approximately 7 mg per recommended daily intake of 4g of Spirulina (equivalent to about 20 tablets). Unlike Vitamin A, \u03b2-Carotene does not have known adverse effects from excessive intake. Additionally, Spirulina contains vitamins such as B<sub>1<\/sub>, B<sub>2<\/sub>, and B<sub>6<\/sub>.<br>\n            <br>\n            <strong class=\"lead_text gr\">5: Supplementation of Minerals like Iron and Calcium<\/strong><br>\n            Spirulina contains a variety of minerals, including iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and cobalt. However, it does not contain iodine, which is commonly found in seaweed, making it suitable for those who need to limit iodine intake.<br>\n            <br>\n            <strong class=\"lead_text gr\">6: Contains \u03b3-Linolenic Acid, a Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid<\/strong><br>\n            \u03b3-Linolenic Acid, an essential fatty acid along with linoleic acid and arachidonic acid, is found in higher amounts in Spirulina compared to other algae. \u03b3-Linolenic Acid is metabolized in the body and converted into prostaglandins, which play important roles in various bodily functions.<br>\n            <br>\n            <strong class=\"lead_text gr\">7: High Digestibility and Absorption Rate of 95%<\/strong><br>\n            Nutritional components only become valuable when they are digested and absorbed. Spirulina has a thin and easily breakable cell wall, which means it does not require cell wall-breaking processing to achieve a 95% digestibility and absorption rate, as confirmed by animal test.<br>\n            <br>\n            <strong class=\"lead_text gr\">8: An Alkaline Food, Similar to Vegetables<\/strong><br>\n            Maintaining a balanced diet of alkaline foods like vegetables and acidic foods like meat and fish is important for health. Modern busy lifestyles often lead to diets skewed towards acidic foods. Spirulina is classified as an alkaline food, making it a good choice for those who consume a lot of processed or high-fat foods.\n        <\/div>\n\n \n\n        <br>\n        <h3 class=\"h3\">Example of Nutritional Content Analysis of Spirulina Powder (per 100g)<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"grid _3col\" style=\"\">\n            <div class=\"child\">\n                General Components\n                <table class=\"common_table\" style=\"margin: 0;\">\n                    <tbody>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th style=\"width: 6em;\">Calories<\/th>\n                        <td>378kcal<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>Protein<\/th>\n                        <td>67.5g<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>Fat<\/th>\n                        <td>6.9g<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>Carbohydrates<\/th>\n                        <td>8.4g<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>Dietary Fiber<\/th>\n                        <td>6.1g<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                    <\/tbody>\n                <\/table>\n                <br>\n                Fatty Acids\n                <table class=\"common_table\" style=\"margin: 0;\">\n                    <tbody>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th style=\"width: 6em;\">Gamma-Linolenic Acid<\/th>\n                        <td>1.42g<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n                        <th style=\"width: 6em;\">Linoleic Acid<\/th>\n                        <td>1.20g<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                    <\/tbody>\n                <\/table>\n                <br>\n                Others\n                <table class=\"common_table\" style=\"margin: 0;\">\n                    <tbody>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th style=\"width: 6em;\">Chlorophyll a<\/th>\n                        <td>1,160mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>Phycocyanin<\/th>\n                        <td>8,200mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>Zeaxanthin<\/th>\n                        <td>122mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>Inositol<\/th>\n                        <td>76mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                    <\/tbody>\n                <\/table>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"child\">\n                Vitamins\n                <table class=\"common_table\" style=\"margin: 0;\">\n                    <tbody>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th style=\"width: 6em;\">Vitamin A (Retinol Equivalent)<\/th>\n                        <td>21,100\u03bcg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>B<sub>1<\/sub><\/th>\n                        <td>3.39mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>B<sub>2<\/sub><\/th>\n                        <td>3.82mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>B<sub>6<\/sub><\/th>\n                        <td>0.99mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>Niacin Equivalent<\/th>\n                        <td>33.0mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>Folic Acid<\/th>\n                        <td>0.11mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>Pantothenic Acid<\/th>\n                        <td>1.58mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>Biotin<\/th>\n                        <td>23.6\u03bcg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                               <tr>\n                        <th>E<\/th>\n                        <td>12.3mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>K<sub>1<\/sub><\/th>\n                        <td>1,200\u03bcg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>K<sub>2<\/sub><\/th>\n                        <td>50\u03bcg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                    <\/tbody>\n                <\/table>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"child\">\n                Minerals\n                <table class=\"common_table\" style=\"margin: 0;\">\n                    <tbody>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th style=\"width: 6em;\">Calcium<\/th>\n                        <td>194mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th style=\"width: 6em;\">Phosphorus<\/th>\n                        <td>963mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>              \n                      <tr>\n                        <th>Iron<\/th>\n                        <td>49.4mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>Sodium<\/th>\n                        <td>670mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>Potassium<\/th>\n                        <td>1.74g<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                      <tr>\n                        <th>Magnesium<\/th>\n                        <td>292mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                     <tr>\n                        <th>Zinc<\/th>\n                        <td>1.83mg<\/td>\n                      <\/tr>\n                    <\/tbody>\n                <\/table>\n                <br>\n                <figure>\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina-feature4.jpg\" alt=\"\u30b9\u30d4\u30eb\u30ea\u30ca\u539f\u672b\u306e\u5185\u5bb9\u6210\u5206\">\n                  <\/figure>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>       \n\n    <\/div>\n<br><br><br>\n    <div class=\"inner2\">\n<a class=\"anchorpoint\" id=\"anc1\"><\/a>\n        <h2 class=\"h2\" id=\"e\">The Beautiful and Vibrant Phytochemicals in Spirulina<\/h2>\n\n        <div class=\"grid _2col\">\n            <div class=\"child\">\n                Phytochemicals, which vegetables and fruits use to protect themselves from the sun&#8217;s ultraviolet rays, have excellent beneficial effects and are believed to work similarly in our bodies. In addition to the five essential nutrients for humans\u2014carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals\u2014dietary fiber is known as the sixth nutrient. Recently, phytochemicals have gained attention as the &#8220;seventh nutrient.&#8221;<br><br>\n                Spirulina also contains pigments and phytochemicals that are indispensable for the functioning of the human body.\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"child pc_only\">\n                <figure>\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/pict_phytochemical_01.jpg\" alt=\"\u30ab\u30e9\u30d5\u30eb\u8272\u7d20\">\n                <\/figure>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <br>\n        <span style=\"color:#004BB1;\">\u3010Blue\u3011 <\/span>\uff1cPhycocyanin\uff1e<br>\n        Phycocyanin is one of the pigments involved in photosynthesis in cyanobacteria and is a major protein in spirulina. It exhibits a vivid blue color. As a valuable  plant-derived food colorant, it is used in frozen desserts, ice cream, gum, candy, and wasabi,etc.<br>\n            <div class=\"tar\">\n                <a href=\"\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/phycocyanin\/\" class=\"tar txt_link\">What is Phycocyanin<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <br>\n        <span style=\"color:#FFB715;\">\u3010Yellow\u3011 <\/span>\uff1c\u03b2-Carotene\uff1e<br>\n        \u03b2-Carotene is a carotenoid pigment. It converts into vitamin A (retinol) in the body when needed. It is also abundant in green and yellow vegetables such as carrots, spinach, bell peppers, and pumpkins.<br>\n        <span style=\"color:#FFB715;\">\u3010Yellow\u3011<\/span>\uff1cZeaxanthin\uff1e<br>\n        Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment. It is a yellow-orange pigment found in corn, spinach, mangoes, and eggs.<br>\n        <br>\n        <span style=\"color:#3C6A68;\">\u3010Green\u3011 <\/span>\uff1cChlorophyll\uff1e<br>\n         Chlorophyll is an essential green pigment for photosynthesis in plants. It plays a crucial role in converting light energy into chemical energy (the production of high-energy phosphate compounds such as ATP and GTP).<br>\n        <br>\n        <span style=\"color:#AF285D;\">\u3010Spirulina Hot Water Extract\u3011<\/span><br>\n        Using a unique technology, components extracted from spirulina through hot water extraction are purified and concentrated, and this is referred to as &#8220;spirulina extract.&#8221; <br>\n        he main components of spirulina extract are water-soluble health ingredients such as polysaccharides and nucleic acids.<br>\n        This spirulina extract, which contains a high concentration of polysaccharides, is one of the most noteworthy materials.\n  <br><br><br><br>\n        <h3 class=\"h3\">Spirulina with a Long History of Consumption<\/h3>\n        Spirulina has a long history as a food. In 1940, Frenchman Dangard and others introduced that spirulina harvested from Lake Chad in central Africa was sold in a dried state under the name &#8220;dih\u00e9&#8221; at a village market east of Lake Chad and was distributed as food.<br>\n        November 1967, at the International Conference on Applied Microbiology held in Ethiopia, its excellent nutritional components attracted attention. Since then, research on its use as food has progressed, and it is now mass-cultivated in controlled artificial ponds.<br>\n        Today, spirulina is used as a health food, contributing to the health management of people in Japan, the United States, Europe, Oceania, and various Asian countries.<br>\n\n        <div class=\"sp_scrolltable\">\n            <table class=\"common_table\">\n                <tbody>\n                  <tr>\n                    <th style=\"width: 4em;\">1927<\/th>\n                    <td>Dr. D\u00fcrpin, a German phycologist, discovered and named spirulina.<\/td>\n                  <\/tr>\n                  <tr>\n                    <th>1962<\/th>\n                    <td>Dr. Cl\u00e9ment from the French National Petroleum Institute, who was researching protein sources for the 21st century, brought spirulina from Lake Chad, recognizing its rich nutrients, and conducted further research on it as a protein source.<\/td>\n                  <\/tr>\n                  <tr>\n                    <th>1963<\/th>\n                    <td>A full-scale investigation into the nutritional value of spirulina began.\u59cb<\/td>\n                  <\/tr>\n                  <tr>\n                    <th>1967<\/th>\n                    <td>At the Microbiology Conference in Mexico, Dr. Cl\u00e9ment introduced spirulina to the world. Later that year, at the International Conference on Applied Microbiology held in Ethiopia, he highlighted spirulina&#8217;s rich protein content and its potential as a future food source, attracting the attention of researchers and prompting the United Nations to evaluate its nutritional value.<\/td>\n                  <\/tr>\n                  <tr>\n                    <th>1968<\/th>\n                    <td>Spirulina was introduced to Japan as a food source.<\/td>\n                  <\/tr>\n\t\t<tr>\n                    <th>1970<\/th>\n                    <td>DIC Corporation (formerly Dainippon Ink and Chemicals) was introduced to spirulina strains.<\/td>\n                  <\/tr>\n\t\t<tr>\n                    <th>1971<\/th>\n                    <td>DIC Corporation (formerly Dainippon Ink and Chemicals) began research on spirulina cultivation.<\/td>\n                  <\/tr>\n\t\t<tr>\n                    <th>1977<\/th>\n                    <td>DIC Corporation (formerly Dainippon Ink and Chemicals) started industrial-scale production of spirulina, becoming the first in the world to mass-produce spirulina under controlled cultivation.<\/td>\n                  <\/tr>\n                <\/tbody>\n              <\/table>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"tar\">\n                <a href=\"\/en\/healthcare\/pioneer\/#anc1\" class=\"tar txt_link\">Since 1978, click here<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <br><br><br>\n        <h3 class=\"h3\">Trust and Assurance with DIC Spirulina<\/h3>\nThe DIC Group owns its own spirulina cultivation plants in the United States and Hainan Island, China, and is responsible for consistent production from cultivation to finished products. We conduct rigorous checks at every stage to deliver products of assured quality.\n <div class=\"tar\">\n                <a href=\"\/en\/healthcare\/evidential\/#anc1\" class=\"tar txt_link\">About Quality, click here<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        \n        <br><br><br>\n        <h3 class=\"h3\">Where Does Spirulina Grow?<\/h3>\n\n        <div class=\"grid _2col\" style=\"margin-top: 0;\">\n            <div class=\"child\">\n                Spirulina grows in lakes under unique conditions of high temperature and strong alkalinity, which make it difficult for other plants and animals to thrive. It flourishes under intense sunlight.<br>\n                <br>\nConditions for Spirulina Growth<br>\n1)Intense sunlight<br>\n2)Strongly alkaline lakes<br>\n3)Water temperature of 30-35\u00b0C<br>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"child\">\n                <figure>\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/pict_commitment_07.jpg\" alt=\"Areas Where Spirulina Grows\">\n                    <figcaption>\u30b9Areas Where Spirulina Grows<\/figcaption>\n                  <\/figure>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <br><br><br>\n\n        <h3 class=\"h3\">Animals Love Spirulina Too!?<\/h3>\n\n        <div class=\"grid _2col\" style=\"margin-top: 0;\">\n            <div class=\"child\">\n                Spirulina in the lakes of East Africa serves as a vital food source for the world&#8217;s largest population of pink flamingos. The pink color of flamingos is related to the carotenoid pigments found in spirulina.<br>\n               In fact, as seen with pink flamingos, using spirulina as feed can enhance the vibrant red color of goldfish and koi scales. It is also said to reduce the mortality rate of fry, making it an essential nutrient for winning koi competitions.<br>\n                Therefore, spirulina is not only beneficial for humans but also a delightful food for animals.\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"child\">\n                <figure>\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/spirulina4.jpg\" alt=\"\u52d5\u7269\u3082\u559c\u3076\uff01\uff1f\u30b9\u30d4\u30eb\u30ea\u30ca\">\n                  <\/figure>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"gyoumu_btn2\">\n          <a href=\"\/en\/product\/business\/\">\n          <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"\/shared\/images\/top\/gyoumuyou_banner_en.jpg\" media=\"(min-width:768px)\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/shared\/images\/top\/gyoumuyou_banner_sp_en.jpg\" alt=\"\">\n          <\/picture>\n          <\/a>\n        <\/div>   \n<br><br>\n            <h3 class=\"h3\">Relevant Information<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid _2col\">\n            <div class=\"child\">\n                <a href=\"\/en\/healthcare\/phycocyanin\/\" class=\"img_link1\">\n                  <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/natural3_re-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"What is Phycocyanin?\">\n                  <div class=\"txt\">What is Phycocyanin?<\/div>\n                <\/a>\n              <\/div>\n        <div class=\"child\">\n          <a href=\"\/en\/healthcare\/color\/\" class=\"img_link1\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/\u5f69\u308a\u30c8\u30c3\u30d7\u30d1\u30a6\u30c0\u30fc\u753b\u50cf-1-1.png\" alt=\"\">\n            <div class=\"txt\">Spirulina Blue\uff08LINABLUE\u00ae\uff09<\/div>\n          <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n         <div class=\"child\">\n          <a href=\"\/en\/healthcare\/challenging\/\" class=\"img_link1\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/challenging1.jpg\" alt=\"\">\n            <div class=\"txt\">Utilization of Spirulina<\/div>\n          <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n              <div class=\"child\">\n                  <a href=\"\/en\/healthcare\/dha510\/\" class=\"img_link1\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/natural4.jpg\" alt=\"What is algae-derived DHA?\">\n                    <div class=\"txt\">What is algae-derived DHA?<\/div>\n                  <\/a>\n              <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>HOME &gt; Learn and Enjoy &gt; What is Spirulina? Spirulina What is Spirulina? Spirulina emerged around 3 bill [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":23,"menu_order":16,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is Spirulina? - DIC Healthcare<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Spirulina emerged on Earth around 3 billion years ago. It is known as the king of superfoods and is utilized in various fields.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/spirulina\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"ja_JP\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is Spirulina? - DIC Healthcare\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Spirulina emerged on Earth around 3 billion years ago. It is known as the king of superfoods and is utilized in various fields.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/spirulina\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"DIC Healthcare\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-16T12:30:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"\u63a8\u5b9a\u8aad\u307f\u53d6\u308a\u6642\u9593\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"35\u5206\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/spirulina\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/spirulina\/\",\"name\":\"What is Spirulina? - DIC Healthcare\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2023-12-16T05:10:29+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-16T12:30:10+00:00\",\"description\":\"Spirulina emerged on Earth around 3 billion years ago. It is known as the king of superfoods and is utilized in various fields.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/spirulina\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"ja\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/spirulina\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/spirulina\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"HOME\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"DIC Healthcare\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Materials\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"What is Spirulina?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/\",\"name\":\"DIC\u30d8\u30eb\u30b9\u30b1\u30a2\",\"description\":\"Eco-Conscious Renewal for Your Body &amp; Soul - Color and Comfort.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"ja\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/#organization\",\"name\":\"DIC\u30d8\u30eb\u30b9\u30b1\u30a2\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"ja\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/android-chrome-256x256-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/android-chrome-256x256-1.png\",\"width\":256,\"height\":256,\"caption\":\"DIC\u30d8\u30eb\u30b9\u30b1\u30a2\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What is Spirulina? - DIC Healthcare","description":"Spirulina emerged on Earth around 3 billion years ago. It is known as the king of superfoods and is utilized in various fields.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/spirulina\/","og_locale":"ja_JP","og_type":"article","og_title":"What is Spirulina? - DIC Healthcare","og_description":"Spirulina emerged on Earth around 3 billion years ago. It is known as the king of superfoods and is utilized in various fields.","og_url":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/spirulina\/","og_site_name":"DIC Healthcare","article_modified_time":"2025-12-16T12:30:10+00:00","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"\u63a8\u5b9a\u8aad\u307f\u53d6\u308a\u6642\u9593":"35\u5206"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/spirulina\/","url":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/spirulina\/","name":"What is Spirulina? - DIC Healthcare","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/#website"},"datePublished":"2023-12-16T05:10:29+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-16T12:30:10+00:00","description":"Spirulina emerged on Earth around 3 billion years ago. It is known as the king of superfoods and is utilized in various fields.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/spirulina\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"ja","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/spirulina\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/spirulina\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"HOME","item":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"DIC Healthcare","item":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Materials","item":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/healthcare\/natural\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"What is Spirulina?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/","name":"DIC\u30d8\u30eb\u30b9\u30b1\u30a2","description":"Eco-Conscious Renewal for Your Body &amp; Soul - Color and Comfort.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"ja"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/#organization","name":"DIC\u30d8\u30eb\u30b9\u30b1\u30a2","url":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"ja","@id":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/android-chrome-256x256-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/android-chrome-256x256-1.png","width":256,"height":256,"caption":"DIC\u30d8\u30eb\u30b9\u30b1\u30a2"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dic-healthcare.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}