Following are selected posts to the Holisticat (TM) Mailing List on the subject of spirulina. There's a lot of information here, and the posts are arranged in ascending chronological order. If there is a particular word you're looking for, it's probably best to utilize the "Find in Page" function in your edit menu!

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<16 June 99 From: Lee Re: Spirulina>

I think someone mentioned Spirulina as being good for weight loss.  Anyone have more info on this?  My Cleo, altho on raw food, just keeps getting fatter.  She refuses to play or exercise.  I'm getting real concerned - her ideal weight is probably about 9.5 to 10 lbs., she is about 13 lbs. now.  If this is something I could add to her food, I'd like to give it a shot.  Cleo has IBD, so she cannot go on any of those vet weight loss diets (yuck anyway) because she will upchuck it.  Her diet is already grainless.

At 01:23 PM 6/16/99 -0400, you wrote:
<<I think someone mentioned Spirulina as being good for weight loss.  Anyone  have more info on this?  My Cleo, altho on raw food, just keeps getting  fatter.  She refuses to play or exercise.  I'm getting real concerned - her  ideal weight is probably about 9.5 to 10 lbs., she is about 13 lbs. now. >>

Wish Giddy had that extra weight :(  At any rate, here's a brief quote from my A-Z Guide to Supplements "Spirulina aids in protecting the immune system, in cholesterol reduction (good whether trying to lose weight or not), and in mineral absorption.  Spirulina is beneficial while fasting. It supplies the nutrients needed to help cleanse and heal, while also *curbing the appetite*". (* my emphasis)

Not having ever had a cat with IBD, I don't know how much you can tinker with the diet, but you could try adding more veggies into the mix if that wouldn't be bad for the IBD.  What kind of supplements/additions besides the basic food ingredients are you including? I could always send Maggie out to CA to chase her around a while ------ jusssttt kidding!

In a message dated 6/16/99 1:26:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Jnglecats@ writes:
<<  I think someone mentioned Spirulina as being good for weight loss.  Anyone  have more info on this?  My Cleo, altho on raw food, just keeps getting  fatter.  She refuses to play or exercise.  I'm getting real concerned - her  ideal weight is probably about 9.5 to 10 lbs., she is about 13 lbs. now.  If  this is something I could add to her food, I'd like to give it a shot.  Cleo  has IBD, so she cannot go on any of those vet weight loss diets (yuck anyway)   because she will upchuck it.  Her diet is already grainless.  >>

I know a lot of people who have tried it, without success, but it's great nutrition.  It is an excellent source of amino acids (65%), chlorophyll, vitamins (highest vegetable source of B12) and minerals (25 times the calcium of milk).  It stimulates the thyroid to produce energy and is recommended for blood sugar control and weight loss.

Sure would be worth a try.

Elaine Crews, N.D.
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