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Spirulina is an aquatic micro-organism often referred to as an algae, though it more closely resembles bacteria. It is used as a food supplement to combat malnutrition. 1 gram of spirulina is said to be as nutritious as 100g of spinach or carrots, and is cheaper. It has an extremely high protein content, with 60-70% of its dry weight consisting of a balanced mix of various essential amino acids. Further it is very rich in beta carotene (to produce vitamin A), iron, vitamin B12, ganna-linolenic acid and other micronutrients. It has no cell wall and is therefore very easy to digest.
It improves physical growth as well as cognitive development. It is also effective for improving the improves immunity of people, and therefore helps in fighting and preventing HIV/AIDS and anaemia. Studies show it is also effective against arsenic poisoning, a condition which is extremely hard to combat.
[[Image:various_edible_forms.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Spirulina drink, energy bars, chikki, and pills]]
It can be consumed directly as the paste which is harvested, or dried and made into cakes. This is highly useful for cheap, local distribution in rural areas. Further it is also suitable to be produced industrially for the middle class. This is in the form of pills sold in pharmacies or combined with various food products such as rice, milk products, energy bars, candy, noodles, etc.
==History and Social Context==
Spirulina has very high micronutrient content, is easy and cheap to produce locally. It is therefore a very realistic and also sustainable solution to the problem of malnutrition as opposed to food fortification or distribution programs. Fortification programs try to improve the quality of food by for example adding vitamin A and D were to milk and margarine. These are not always effective since this food is usually not available to the people in rural areas who suffer most. Similarly food distribution programs are very effective during short term emergencies, however are not long term solutions to malnutrition. Spirulina production on the other hand can effectively combat malnutrition and simultaneously provides business opportunities for locals, particularly women.
Antenna Technologies has developed simple systems for the production of Spirulina, using simple tanks and specific culture medium recipes.
==Suitable Conditions==
{{procontable | pro=
- Can be produced locally and so has social as well as economic benefits <br> - Cheap to produce <br> - Can be built and repaired with locally available materials <br> - Low capital and operation costs <br> - Uses simple technology and locally available materials <br> - Requires much less water to grow than vegetables <br> - Stimulates the education of local women about nutrition <br> - Can be combined with other products (eg rice, etc.) to be made into locally acceptable food products all around the world <br> - Very effective – contains most essential micronutrients in high concentrations so 1 gram per day can combat malnutrition within a month. <br> - Very easy to digest <br> - Very safe, it is resistant to most contaminations due to highly alkaline environment
| con=
- Decentralized production means women need to be trained to produce, use technology, etc. <br> - They also need to be aided in marketing their product and managing a business. <br> - They also need to be aided in marketing their product and managing a business. <br> - More Initially more expensive cumbersome to implement than food fortification programmes. <br> - To cover initial investment, subsidies may still be required. <br> - Cooking destroys the vitamins and nutrients in Spirulina – so cannot be combined with all foods <br> - Does not combat iodine or folic acid deficiency}}
==Technical Specifications==