[Teratogenic study of Spirulina in rats]

The algae Spirulina has been considered for use as a supplementary protein to feed and food. Any form of single cell protein destined to this purpose should be previously subjected to detailed toxicological investigations in animals or another experimental models. The present study was therefore designed to determine the teratogenic potential of Spirulina in rats. The algae was administered in the diet at the levels of 0, 10, 20 and 30 g/100 g on days 7-14, 1-14 and 1-21 of gestation. The dams were sacrificed prior to term, and the fetuses examined for external, visceral and skeletal abnormalities. Maternal and fetal weights were not affected. Neither fetotoxicity nor teratogenicity was associated with the dietary ingestion of Spirulina. It is also considered important to extend these studies to other animal species.